@@randytaylor1258 Well if he did reply to me I'd love to see the message, I've sent him many messages from complimenting him when I first found his channel to even letting him review one of my limited edition The Great Gathering, which I guess with the no reply, was the right move :) However if he did reply, by all means show me the evidence of him replying to me ;)
@@jordanorriss4784 Put your ego into neutral. I said that I was sure he read your comments. It is your ego that seems to demand that Sam respond. Sam makes topical videos for us--I'd be perfectly happy if Sam didn't respond to any of them if he used the time to make more videos. Check out Sam's links to find an e-mail address.
I just wanted to thank you for posting this, Sam. It's not the first of your videos I've used as a maintenance guide, but in this instance it's been invaluable because I just got one of these at auction and it turned out also to be DOA, lights on but no-one home. Once I could get down to the motor and physically turn it just a little, all was well; but there were no service sheets with mine, so I was a bit stuck till I found this. Not that I think I'd have got very far without your amiable decoding of the dreadful instructions! So thankyou for saving another of these, um, characteristic models with your video!
I guess that the grease had dried on the motor or something like that. Oh, yes, and I also came out at two detached bits of piping, so that seems to be normal...
fun fact, a class 15 (D8206) was sent to woodham brothers, and sadly it was scrapped along with the rest of the diesels sent there, I wish one diesel their was preserved.
I see it's time for the yearly gamble! I do think that heljan is capable of making great models, their class 05 is proof of this, but there is something happening at those production facilities that is holding them all back. Have you considered making a tier list of all these different manufacturers? It would be fun to see your opinions and maybe do a follow-up later if they've changed.
I wonder if they use more than one manufacturer in China. Some being good and others not-so-good. They could have given production of the 05 to one of the good manufacturers and production of the class 15 to one of the "others". I have one of their Garratts and it seems to be OK.
Heljan just wanted you to get the highest entertainment value out of the loco by having you dismantling the entire loco. Plus they wanted to make the most of having to print the dismantling pictures haha 😄 😆
At one point Sam, you were doing more sighing than Phil Mitchell! Pleased that you managed to cure the mystery ailment on it. I've "bookmarked" this review just in case I have problems with my example. That instruction leaflet is shoddy to put it politely. Thanks for your hard labour on this one.
Always love your videos, Sam, I think you set a very good example for any children who may be watching. Almost like the sort of comforting but adult tone we used to get from Play School back in the day, and I mean that in the best possible way! Also good for adults of course, even when you're complaining you never make the tone harsh or rude. Here's hoping that more UA-camrs follow your example!
I like the look of these. I have found some for sale but I tend to buy BR blue and not the earlier green, so I haven't pushed the button yet. I am a Heljan fan and own quite a lot of them. I even have two class 17s :) Yes agree about it being a pain to open the bag to get the couplings out. I had a class 33 arrive today from Hattons and had the same experience. In terms of the problem you had, I've expereinced the same with a Hornby after a lot of storage time. I got it going with some tlc. It is quite common in the locos I buy at auction, where the collection of someone who has passed away is sold. They have often been in storage for years and don't move at first, although you can hear or feel the motor trying.
Tip: When you insert the bladed screwdriver into the truck baseplate, don't pry it open. You'll have more luck by twisting the handle instead. Twisting only moves the blade a couple of mm. So you're less likely to do any damage while trying to pop the baseplate loose. Ran rather well considering it was a rock to start with. It was just your magic fingers, Sam. 😀
@@SamsTrains Yes, that's always worked for me, work on the actual clips one at a time. But they can pop back in to place when you start on the next one.
Hi Sam I have recently bought a Bachmann class 47 and I have to say it is one off The best I have seen highly recommended a review on one as I think you would enjoy it it’s very similar to the class 37 👍
I've got a Class 15 too, and I bought it from Hattons just over three years ago. The build quality wasn't too good, since one of the bogie detail plates broke off the first time I took it out the packaging, and I think mine also had that issue with excessive oil. Other than that she's been a good and dependable member of my collection (I even went to the trouble of fitting headcode discs). For reference, my Class 15 is No. D8234 in BR green with the late crest and small yellow panels on each end. Incidentally I think the 15s look a bit like the New Zealand Railways Di class (which also has only one surviving example; Di 1102), although the Di has a Co-Co wheel arrangement.
Thanks very much for sharing - ahh sorry to hear that, sounds about the same as my experience with Heljan then! Thanks for the extra info too, Cheers, Sam :)
Besides the Class 15's dodgy build quality, I haven't really had any issues with my Heljan models. The other ones I have are DP2, HS4000 'Kestrel' and a Class 128 (with a Class 16 set to join the ranks soon).
Yes it could well be a first - or at least the first in a very long time - thankfully all good in the end! And interesting - I'll have to look those up! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Nice...(?) Love the oil slick, worth a fortune at the pumps today 😂 Dare I mention the bargain Star class by Hornby now available? I so want one as it's in shirtbutton livery, but ... As always, thanks Sam. 👍
The Class 15 is probably my favorite British diesel, probably thanks to the fact it was the only one of the two classes with a "high-hood" like that over there to survive, so I'm glad to see you review a model of one. Shame the performance for them is sadly accurate, but it's also Heljan, so what can we expect? Lol. Hopefully this remains running fine now and hopefully another manufacturer makes a better version of these.
Such a pity as they are nice looking and unusual loco. I have one these bought second hand but “as new” and “unused” on evil bay. It ran beautifully for perhaps 2 hours, ground to halt and is now stone dead. Have yet to pull it apart but am assuming the motor is toast. I believe it uses the same terrible motor that Heljans class 17. Great as always Sam 👍
Interesting review Sam. I bought D8233 (the preserved one) back in 2010 and it's still going strong today. I agree, there are lots of parts to fit, and it's neither as heavy nor as powerful as a Bachmann 20, but it does run well. Sadly, you can't fit the sandboxes because then the bogies won't rotate, not ideal..
A lovely "Ready To Repair" out of the box. To expensive compared with the Accurascale Deltic. QC at high standard too - obvious! Nice entertaining video thanks to Heljan. And all that included in the price... Thanks for sharing Sam.
If I am not mistaken, the motor is a bit lose mounted, so probably getting out of position will cause cogging and maybe even stop working. Probably carefully securing the motor in the proper position is the key to smoother running...
Well well, another one where it’s over lubed. I think the reason why it started to work better all of a sudden is that after you had cleaned of the majority of excess, opening up the model allowed some of the remaining excess to evaporate slightly and air to the mechanism helped. A truly weird model. Together with the others, class 14 and 20 , makes a good sight. Personally the teenagers live up to Kevin and Perry , awful performers and temperamental. Lol 😂. Good review Sam. Thought you were over generous, and without your intervention, I would have given it 4.5 out of 10. And that would only be for it as a static model with the details fitted. Sitting in a coffin, just before bonfire. Lol ( not wasting a hundred knickers ) .
Sam not a bad looking Diesel it almost resembles US diesel. The only thing bothering me about this engine is their are only 7 yellow covers on the bogeys . I would not take a chance on buying one because I am not as easy going as Sam. Keep up the great videos.
I have a Class 15 DCC sound fitted, my first (and last/only) purchase from Olivias as I wanted it with ESU Sound. I reviewed it on my channel a year or so ago. Mine is an excellent runner and have generally enjoyed it.
Again, another great, entertaining and informative video review. Thanks Sam!!! Keep them coming as I look forward to each new video release. Cheers!!!!
Great video as usual Sam! Will you be doing the class 14 from Heljan when it comes out? I've been rather hesitant due to the price and Heljan but I love the class 14s in real life.
Sam; have you ever come across a TechCAD class 15? They were a small production run made approx 20 years ago. A clever bloke used CAD to design the body master mould and then make the bodies from Resin. The bogies are soldered up from nickel etchings and it drives on one bogie with a decent Mashima motor. The paint jobs were highly professional and I can thoroughly recommend these models should you find one for sale.
'The miracle at Sam's Trains - Lazarus Special!' after a quick prayer over the inner workings, it's off! You'll have to try that on a few other dead locos!
Very informative review! Bit disheartening though as the class 15 is one of those older diesels I really like the look of (even though I know in reality they weren't great) and I've considered buying one a few times, but I always tend to agonise over purchases as model locos aren't cheap! The very plasticky unrefined build quality is quite off-putting, as is the inexplicably terrible cab detailing; with all the interior space in a diesel there was just no way it needed to be built it like that.
Agree its the earlier, lower powered diesels that are particularly interesting. Good for Heljan in capturing the less obvious market clases 15, 16, 17, 23, 26, 27, & 28. I have all of these and they are OK but agree the 17 is the least good.
Yeah they do a lot of obscure ones which I like, wish they'd re-releaas the 28, but that was a limited edition with Hattons so who knows when they'll do that
Sam, why do Heljan put all that oil in or on their locos? Is it made in Europe or China? I also don't like all those plastic gears in the power train. But I am glad you did not give up on it. I was wondering if that part of the Cab that was stuck with glue and should not have been may have had something to do with the non-running at first. Is it possible that there was a part that was pressing on some of the drive-train thus causing it to not be able to move and once you took it apart that freed the restriction? Perhaps one of those Heljan mystery's we will never uncover. Good review as always but I do like the look of the class 15. If we could just get Bachmann to do one or even better; Accurascale. Thanks and keep them coming
Turned out to be a pretty good runner in the end. But what a faff dismantling it to get to the mechanism. And the oil slick! Oh dear! Powerful 3 pole motor? Hmm............ Oh well, better luck next time with Heljan.....??!! Best, Pete.
Such a shame that Diesel was DOA at least it's working somewhat better now but in my experience if it's happened once it could happen again so keep an eye on it for sure. As an American I like this design of diesel given it reminds me of our early "Road Switcher" diesels with what we would call a "High Nose" diesel, such as GP and SD 7 and 9 diesels that came out in the 1950s. Such a neat looking locomotive.
I feel very lucky that it started working again without any work.... that doesn't happen very often! Ahh yes - quite a few people have been drawing comparisons between this an US designs! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains It's not often that models that fail on arrival just "fix themselves" but when it does happen it's a great feeling. As for the comparison to US locomotives I'm not surprised I'm the only one to notice it. Most British and even European locomotives don't have can windows that hang out the side to look both forward and back of the locomotive. A small handful do but it's a very common US design.
Shame there seems to be so many problems with the Heljan 00 gauge locos. I have some 29 of their 0 gauge diesels and they are superb. Their Class 50's and Westerns are particularly excellent. None of the manufacturing or running issues that you have found with the smaller gauge with any of mine. Clearly I am not the only one who likes them as quite often the run is sold out at the shop I use before the model even arrives. They are possibly a bit too expensive for Sam's Trains to purchase and review, but if you get the chance you should try one.
So the way you set the class 15, is it running backwards pulling the train or forwards pulling train? I was confused which way the cab in the class 15 faces, example, what side the control panel on by the short nose end or the long nose end?
H Sam informative review as ever. I got my first Heljan recently an 05, whist generally better than todays model two bits fell off within minutes of taking it out of the packaging, terrible couplings and even after run in pants over points. I dont think its a brand Ill be purchasing too many of thats for sure!
Interesting loco. The Class 15 reminds me of the Fairbanks-Morse H15-44 and early H16-44 in that they're road switchers with semi-streamlined designs. Shame about the Heljan mechanism. Supposedly, Heljan upgraded the mechanism on the very similar Class 16, but I wouldn't blame you for avoiding it.
Hi Sam, interesting review and weird livery, guess this was the Liverpool Street pilot as she has a BR arrow and tops plate? I am really surprised you had such issues and low quality fittings. Mine was near perfect, looks like quality has slipped as later models were built. The intermittent running will be to do with the DCC blanking plug being lose or dry joints around the socket. Quite common on Heljan models. In case you are interested here is my recent BTC review of the 15 and 16, judge for yourself if the parts look better? ua-cam.com/video/NDzavdCMuFM/v-deo.html
Thanks Mike - glad to hear yours was much better - and great thinking on the DCC blanking plug... I'll bet you're right there, did seem like a loose connection! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I like the Class 15, but and this isn't Heljan's fault I really don't like how the short hood is than the short hood. If it was level in either direction, I'd think it was probably my favorite diesel locomotive. I do kind of wonder how a chopnose would look on the 15, though...
Was the cab interior glued the the loco body and if so why did it need to be removed I wonder? I seem to remember the earlier locos coming with bags of bits, Bachmann class 20, ViTrains 37 & 47. I think the arts being on sprues make it looks worse and is certainly preferable than paying someone to fit them and then having to remove them so you can actually use the loco, which is what I had to do with all my Heljans at one end.
Hello Sam, I have trying to discern the current prototypical coupler practice in England. Near as I can tell it is a 'Hitachi' designed system. Is this correct ? Can a reasonable version of it be found on current 00 models ? What I have noticed looks to be a hook and latch system. How complex is the detaching procedure ? Cheers.
its not entirely the motors fault for the cogging. yes a 5 pole is smoother than a 3 but the gearing does no favours in that regard. if it was lower geared it would crawl better and reduce cogging maybe remove it completely. on a side note I would like to see you start testing dcc ready locos on dcc since you are already pulling them apart
It was a really amusing video, but tinkering with a dead locomotive is a big no no for me it's typical Heljan for me. When this video popped up I was like: ah, Sam's suffering again. I can live with the mediocre detail, but if it would be a bit nicer and an actual cab it would do it for me. The mechanism I probably don't have to explain you did a good job of it. It's a very interesting locomotive for me the front reminds me of the GT-3 with all the lamps. Still a very good review Sam and definitely a good reminder that I won't buy Heljan models 😅
i think this or a class form around the same time was called the wonder engine(as in, i wonder if it will go today). also love the videos. it got me back into trains. i am likely wrong about that.
Oh interesting - because they were revolutionary at the time I guess? Never heard that one before. Thanks so much for that - lovely to hear! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)
i was mostly wrong, the engine i was thinking of was BR 10800. i was right about the time period, as the 10800 had a working life spanning from 1950 to 1959
One theory as to why it worked with the shell off. I note that the printed circuit card was mounted directly over the metal frame of the motor. It also appeared that the motor was able to shift position within its mount, quite easily. Sam, you poked the motor with your finger, and the motor moved! Theory: in shipping, the motor shifted position just enough to touch the printed circuit card, causing anomalous behavior. Jiggling the model caused a momentary relief, but was insufficient to permanently fix the issue. Upon disassembly, the motor was returned to its design position and all is well. Not a hill I will die on, its just a thought.
I've got D8235 in green with full yellow ends and double arrows. It worked for an hour or so while running in, then burned out. I tried removing the flywheels from the motor to remotor it, but one snapped the axle instead of sliding off, so the new motor only powers one bogie (I've removed the worm drive to the other), so it isn't very powerful and also gets very warm. Only two of my modern spec locos have ever burned out, the other being the 17. Fortunately, the class 16 is a much better model, like the class 23 baby deltic.
Whether or not this is realistic I am not sure, but I notice that the decal on the side of the cab is in BR Blue, not BR Green like the rest of the model. But then that is not a surprise; as you demonstrated nicely Heljan are known for cutting corners when producing models... :/
I have 2 of these since they were released and on DCC they are fantastic runners and at slow speed. The instructions for fitting decoders are badly illustrated as you say. On the whole their diesels are fine, its the railbuses that are problematic . Extremely difficult to put decoders in, plus ive had the nylon gears split and had motor burnout on the AC one. Get the Park Royal railbus see what you make of it 😀
It's a High Short-Hood diesel, a design that began in the US in the mid 1940s and used in quite a lot of other countries also during the 50s and 60s and even later.
So, the main question here is : salvage or scrap ? 😂 First point : it's a semi-kit. I'm fine with it if the price follows. I don't have found this one for sale new, so I can't say more about it. Basekeeper plate soaked with oil, enough to make a salad for four people : won't increase my appreciation of the brand... Three poles motor, lighter than my Bachmann class 20, details fitted worse than Hornby railroad range, finish with huge gaps... Positive point : they don't have installed the whole set of buffer beams details like with their class 17. Outdated from the outside, if cheap (not over GBP 80 RRP new, for me), it can do the trick. At least, you have lights. Performances : acceptable, if not fair, due to its age. At least, you can use her. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand the Heljan point : can you open it ? Usually, the answer is no, and here... it is barely yes. Everything is clipped, it's a complete drag to open it. Was it too simple to put two screws at the bottom that holds the whole body ? I understand why they don't allow you to open their engine easily : the drivetrain is poor. And the motor is a piece of kraft. For the couplings, they are fighting to be at the bottom of the list with Dapol (flimsy couplings, but they have better ones on their recent powered models I ought to say). Well, you paid her GBP 100, fair game, but it's a no-go for me, as with every other Heljan models. They planned to reissue the class 14, if you're in to test her, you have me as a viewer, I can't remember you having made a test of this model, and I hope they won't botch their forthcoming class 25. Sam : "There is a gap in the market for a good model of a class 15" -> Accurascale and Rapido had entered the chat
The clips are cheaper -- fewer parts count and screws take time to tighten. Snapping on parts is simpler for assembly but disassembly usually results in damage.
Sam, your reviews are always good, but I think all of the loco manufacturers have a stock of rejected locos, and they sell them to you, ha ha, regards, keep the reviews coming, pete
Hi Sam. Love your reviews - as a lapsed railway modeller, I really appreciate your tests in the hope that, one day... Incidentally, the "j" in Heljan is pronounced as a slightly swallowed "y" - they are Danish. :-) They seem to have forgotten to yellow-blob the forward bogie axle box, unless the original had plain bearings on one axle only... and why do pretty well all OO-gauge locomotives absolutely suck as regards their operation? Are they all broken, poor runners? For over £100??
The axlebox that hasn’t been picked out in yellow will have the speedo feed attached to it, many other diesels that have axleboxes picked out in yellow may have the odd one that isn’t picked out.
That's fair enough - it's a pity as it's a very unusual class... and the model isn't too bad, but completely understandable if you choose to avoid! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I genuinely don't understand why so many manufacturers that sell models for the UK market skimp on the quality of their mechanisms. Sure, this loco has likely been in that packaging for a decade, but that's no excuse for it not to run. Sure, the detailing is usually rather good for the price, but it's a shame if that means the locomotive won't ever run properly. I recently bought a Roco Class 189, which had never run and sat in its packaging since about 2004. Got it out of the box, and it ran immediately, and smoothly at that. Without everything being caked in oil.
My class 15 was rather good and would have scored a lot better than yours. It was and still is an excellent runner and the build quality was also very good.............................until the buffer beam fell off. Great review as always Sam
"Let's see if we can imitate his mechanical prowess" had me totally cracking up. I actually enjoy your reviews of the terrible models more than the good ones.
From the the design i thought it was going to run okay but when it comes to the performance...oh good grace how bad the motor is running...eh maybe one day they will improve haha... Cheers mate and have a good one!
If you hate it so much can I have it haha, I love the look of the 15, 16 and 20 and seen a photoshopped class 38 artists impression using a 20 style cab at both ends and narrow engine covers like the 58
Hi Sam, I have a heljan class 35 hymek, and since purchasing new, it’s never ran, only the lights work, I can’t see what’s wrong and I’m not technically minded to work out the problem 😥
Is the odd one out the rail freight class 20? Great video by the way
Very well spotted, that's it! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Do you just ignore your comments? : /
@@jordanorriss4784
Clearly, he reads them. It's you who aren't paying attention.
@@randytaylor1258 Well if he did reply to me I'd love to see the message, I've sent him many messages from complimenting him when I first found his channel to even letting him review one of my limited edition The Great Gathering, which I guess with the no reply, was the right move :) However if he did reply, by all means show me the evidence of him replying to me ;)
@@jordanorriss4784
Put your ego into neutral. I said that I was sure he read your comments. It is your ego that seems to demand that Sam respond. Sam makes topical videos for us--I'd be perfectly happy if Sam didn't respond to any of them if he used the time to make more videos.
Check out Sam's links to find an e-mail address.
As the originals were heaps of schyght, I think the makers have even got that down to perfection. The realism is astounding.
Agreed - that's the one thing I can wholeheartedly commend!!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
heljan are absolute "experts" for prototypical "performance"......😂😂
@@stratman9449 Hehe, you are not wrong, I have a couple of Heljan locomotives and their performance is either pretty good or just terrible.
@@stratman9449 True, their 47 is decently reliable
Are you referring to as built or after they were fitted with cast iron cylinder heads?
I just wanted to thank you for posting this, Sam. It's not the first of your videos I've used as a maintenance guide, but in this instance it's been invaluable because I just got one of these at auction and it turned out also to be DOA, lights on but no-one home. Once I could get down to the motor and physically turn it just a little, all was well; but there were no service sheets with mine, so I was a bit stuck till I found this. Not that I think I'd have got very far without your amiable decoding of the dreadful instructions! So thankyou for saving another of these, um, characteristic models with your video!
I guess that the grease had dried on the motor or something like that. Oh, yes, and I also came out at two detached bits of piping, so that seems to be normal...
fun fact, a class 15 (D8206) was sent to woodham brothers, and sadly it was scrapped along with the rest of the diesels sent there, I wish one diesel their was preserved.
Thanks a lot for sharing - that's very sad :(
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I see it's time for the yearly gamble! I do think that heljan is capable of making great models, their class 05 is proof of this, but there is something happening at those production facilities that is holding them all back.
Have you considered making a tier list of all these different manufacturers? It would be fun to see your opinions and maybe do a follow-up later if they've changed.
defintely not the only company with that problem
Absolutely - the class 05 is the exception for me too, just a great looking model!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I wonder if they use more than one manufacturer in China. Some being good and others not-so-good. They could have given production of the 05 to one of the good manufacturers and production of the class 15 to one of the "others". I have one of their Garratts and it seems to be OK.
Heljan just wanted you to get the highest entertainment value out of the loco by having you dismantling the entire loco. Plus they wanted to make the most of having to print the dismantling pictures haha 😄 😆
haha in that case they did a great job, lol! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
At one point Sam, you were doing more sighing than Phil Mitchell! Pleased that you managed to cure the mystery ailment on it. I've "bookmarked" this review just in case I have problems with my example. That instruction leaflet is shoddy to put it politely. Thanks for your hard labour on this one.
Always love your videos, Sam, I think you set a very good example for any children who may be watching. Almost like the sort of comforting but adult tone we used to get from Play School back in the day, and I mean that in the best possible way! Also good for adults of course, even when you're complaining you never make the tone harsh or rude. Here's hoping that more UA-camrs follow your example!
haha that's very kind of you! Yes I make sure things never get rude or personal... I prefer to go for humour! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I really like the real photo - it gives me a much better guide for the detail pack and potential for realistic weathering.
I like the look of these. I have found some for sale but I tend to buy BR blue and not the earlier green, so I haven't pushed the button yet. I am a Heljan fan and own quite a lot of them. I even have two class 17s :) Yes agree about it being a pain to open the bag to get the couplings out. I had a class 33 arrive today from Hattons and had the same experience. In terms of the problem you had, I've expereinced the same with a Hornby after a lot of storage time. I got it going with some tlc. It is quite common in the locos I buy at auction, where the collection of someone who has passed away is sold. They have often been in storage for years and don't move at first, although you can hear or feel the motor trying.
Tip: When you insert the bladed screwdriver into the truck baseplate, don't pry it open. You'll have more luck by twisting the handle instead. Twisting only moves the blade a couple of mm. So you're less likely to do any damage while trying to pop the baseplate loose.
Ran rather well considering it was a rock to start with. It was just your magic fingers, Sam. 😀
Thanks for the tip Randy - I prefer to just unclip them one at a time though, I've never had a breakage doing it that way!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Yes, that's always worked for me, work on the actual clips one at a time. But they can pop back in to place when you start on the next one.
Maybe a strip of old bank card would be better as there's greater surface area on that then a screwdriver??
Hi Sam
I have recently bought a Bachmann class 47 and I have to say it is one off The best I have seen highly recommended a review on one as I think you would enjoy it it’s very similar to the class 37 👍
Hains should do a manual for heljan locomotives lol. Great video sam!
I've got a Class 15 too, and I bought it from Hattons just over three years ago. The build quality wasn't too good, since one of the bogie detail plates broke off the first time I took it out the packaging, and I think mine also had that issue with excessive oil. Other than that she's been a good and dependable member of my collection (I even went to the trouble of fitting headcode discs). For reference, my Class 15 is No. D8234 in BR green with the late crest and small yellow panels on each end.
Incidentally I think the 15s look a bit like the New Zealand Railways Di class (which also has only one surviving example; Di 1102), although the Di has a Co-Co wheel arrangement.
Thanks very much for sharing - ahh sorry to hear that, sounds about the same as my experience with Heljan then! Thanks for the extra info too,
Cheers,
Sam :)
Besides the Class 15's dodgy build quality, I haven't really had any issues with my Heljan models. The other ones I have are DP2, HS4000 'Kestrel' and a Class 128 (with a Class 16 set to join the ranks soon).
When i first saw the thumbmail, I thought that the longer side was the forward direction, every time. It happened with the murphy models as well.
haha yeah - the controls seem to suggest that the longer end is the front, but I'd assume either direction is acceptable!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
My favourite type of video when u pull apart a loco and company 😂 great review as always
That's a first that I've seen for you, a new loco that's DOA. The Class 15 almost reminds me of a Fairbanks Morse H16-44 built in the USA.
Yes it could well be a first - or at least the first in a very long time - thankfully all good in the end! And interesting - I'll have to look those up!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Nice...(?) Love the oil slick, worth a fortune at the pumps today 😂 Dare I mention the bargain Star class by Hornby now available? I so want one as it's in shirtbutton livery, but ... As always, thanks Sam. 👍
haha thanks David -very true, gutted I didn't buy a few more of these... could've run my car for a few weeks!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
"Never over-oil your loco, we've done it for you." - Heljan
Decent review there Sam certainly an interesting looking locomotive.
They sure are - I love the profile of them! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains If you want a similar looking loco that is not Heljan (or British) check out Roco 70787, it is a Netherlands diesel loco.
Am I correct in thinking that the "inner" sandboxes can't be fitted to working models as they catch the bogies in the slightest curve?
The Class 15 is probably my favorite British diesel, probably thanks to the fact it was the only one of the two classes with a "high-hood" like that over there to survive, so I'm glad to see you review a model of one.
Shame the performance for them is sadly accurate, but it's also Heljan, so what can we expect? Lol. Hopefully this remains running fine now and hopefully another manufacturer makes a better version of these.
The engine is like "No I'm not going anywhere"
Cheers Jasper & Willow
haha yep - it wasn't interested in running!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Such a pity as they are nice looking and unusual loco. I have one these bought second hand but “as new” and “unused” on evil bay. It ran beautifully for perhaps 2 hours, ground to halt and is now stone dead. Have yet to pull it apart but am assuming the motor is toast. I believe it uses the same terrible motor that Heljans class 17. Great as always Sam 👍
Yeah I agree! And ahh that doesn't sound good - are these prone to failures then? Uh oh
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I will be referring to it as Evil Bay from now on. Thank you
Neat review, off topic but I hope heljian rerelease their class 28 some day
Interesting review Sam. I bought D8233 (the preserved one) back in 2010 and it's still going strong today. I agree, there are lots of parts to fit, and it's neither as heavy nor as powerful as a Bachmann 20, but it does run well. Sadly, you can't fit the sandboxes because then the bogies won't rotate, not ideal..
Looking fantasticola, Sam. I am super grateful that there is a sole surviving member of this class. I wish I could say the same for the class 16.
A lovely "Ready To Repair" out of the box. To expensive compared with the Accurascale Deltic. QC at high standard too - obvious! Nice entertaining video thanks to Heljan. And all that included in the price... Thanks for sharing Sam.
haha very much so - yes compared to the Deltic this is a completely miserable joke... even down to the paperwork xD
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Love it when you review a diesel.
Even if it is a Hell-Jan.
Nice one Sam 👍🏻
If I am not mistaken, the motor is a bit lose mounted, so probably getting out of position will cause cogging and maybe even stop working. Probably carefully securing the motor in the proper position is the key to smoother running...
Well well, another one where it’s over lubed. I think the reason why it started to work better all of a sudden is that after you had cleaned of the majority of excess, opening up the model allowed some of the remaining excess to evaporate slightly and air to the mechanism helped. A truly weird model. Together with the others, class 14 and 20 , makes a good sight.
Personally the teenagers live up to Kevin and Perry , awful performers and temperamental. Lol 😂. Good review Sam. Thought you were over generous, and without your intervention, I would have given it 4.5 out of 10. And that would only be for it as a static model with the details fitted. Sitting in a coffin, just before bonfire. Lol ( not wasting a hundred knickers ) .
Yeah - horrifically over-lubed this time too! Thanks for the kind words anyway, and yes maybe I was a little generous!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Sam not a bad looking Diesel it almost resembles US diesel. The only thing bothering me about this engine is their are only 7 yellow covers on the bogeys . I would not take a chance on buying one because I am not as easy going as Sam. Keep up the great videos.
There's only 7 because the other has the speedometer drive fitted on top.
I have a Class 15 DCC sound fitted, my first (and last/only) purchase from Olivias as I wanted it with ESU Sound. I reviewed it on my channel a year or so ago. Mine is an excellent runner and have generally enjoyed it.
0:14 - I love the shapes music.
Bought the same model for 112€ (arround 92£)
Its a pretty decent loco with some issues, like the separate details.
Overall its a moderate model.
Yeah moderate is fair - though for £92 it's not too bad at all!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains yea was a good review tho
Again, another great, entertaining and informative video review. Thanks Sam!!! Keep them coming as I look forward to each new video release. Cheers!!!!
Great video as usual Sam! Will you be doing the class 14 from Heljan when it comes out? I've been rather hesitant due to the price and Heljan but I love the class 14s in real life.
Thank you so much - I might well do yes! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Sam, we’re all waiting on that bachmann percy review
Sam; have you ever come across a TechCAD class 15? They were a small production run made approx 20 years ago. A clever bloke used CAD to design the body master mould and then make the bodies from Resin. The bogies are soldered up from nickel etchings and it drives on one bogie with a decent Mashima motor. The paint jobs were highly professional and I can thoroughly recommend these models should you find one for sale.
'The miracle at Sam's Trains - Lazarus Special!' after a quick prayer over the inner workings, it's off! You'll have to try that on a few other dead locos!
Very informative review! Bit disheartening though as the class 15 is one of those older diesels I really like the look of (even though I know in reality they weren't great) and I've considered buying one a few times, but I always tend to agonise over purchases as model locos aren't cheap! The very plasticky unrefined build quality is quite off-putting, as is the inexplicably terrible cab detailing; with all the interior space in a diesel there was just no way it needed to be built it like that.
Do you remember the days of Triang and the CKD (Completely Knocked Down ) models. If you took alot of time they usually turned out ok.
I might have to add one to the collection, and tell everybody it's my GP7's little British cousin.
I do love the look of the Class 15, very unique design for a British diesel, makes it look a bit American haha. :)
It certainly is - quite a few people have said that about it!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hi Sam just to let you know the long bonnet is the front of the loco and the cab is at the rear of the loco same as a class 20 cheers for the review
Agree its the earlier, lower powered diesels that are particularly interesting. Good for Heljan in capturing the less obvious market clases 15, 16, 17, 23, 26, 27, & 28. I have all of these and they are OK but agree the 17 is the least good.
Yeah they do a lot of obscure ones which I like, wish they'd re-releaas the 28, but that was a limited edition with Hattons so who knows when they'll do that
@@tykedopwnz Olivias trains has ONE Sound fitted model for £310 of a Class 28, ouch, too much.
@@alanrobertson9790 even for a sound fitted that's beyond normal pricing
@@tykedopwnz Yes its not a good deal,
Sam, why do Heljan put all that oil in or on their locos? Is it made in Europe or China? I also don't like all those plastic gears in the power train. But I am glad you did not give up on it.
I was wondering if that part of the Cab that was stuck with glue and should not have been may have had something to do with the non-running at first. Is it possible that there was a part that was pressing on some of the drive-train thus causing it to not be able to move and once you took it apart that freed the restriction? Perhaps one of those Heljan mystery's we will never uncover.
Good review as always but I do like the look of the class 15. If we could just get Bachmann to do one or even better; Accurascale.
Thanks and keep them coming
Turned out to be a pretty good runner in the end. But what a faff dismantling it to get to the mechanism. And the oil slick! Oh dear! Powerful 3 pole motor? Hmm............ Oh well, better luck next time with Heljan.....??!! Best, Pete.
Another great review, thanks Sam👍😁
Such a shame that Diesel was DOA at least it's working somewhat better now but in my experience if it's happened once it could happen again so keep an eye on it for sure.
As an American I like this design of diesel given it reminds me of our early "Road Switcher" diesels with what we would call a "High Nose" diesel, such as GP and SD 7 and 9 diesels that came out in the 1950s. Such a neat looking locomotive.
I feel very lucky that it started working again without any work.... that doesn't happen very often! Ahh yes - quite a few people have been drawing comparisons between this an US designs!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains It's not often that models that fail on arrival just "fix themselves" but when it does happen it's a great feeling. As for the comparison to US locomotives I'm not surprised I'm the only one to notice it. Most British and even European locomotives don't have can windows that hang out the side to look both forward and back of the locomotive. A small handful do but it's a very common US design.
Shame there seems to be so many problems with the Heljan 00 gauge locos. I have some 29 of their 0 gauge diesels and they are superb. Their Class 50's and Westerns are particularly excellent. None of the manufacturing or running issues that you have found with the smaller gauge with any of mine. Clearly I am not the only one who likes them as quite often the run is sold out at the shop I use before the model even arrives. They are possibly a bit too expensive for Sam's Trains to purchase and review, but if you get the chance you should try one.
So the way you set the class 15, is it running backwards pulling the train or forwards pulling train?
I was confused which way the cab in the class 15 faces, example, what side the control panel on by the short nose end or the long nose end?
H Sam informative review as ever. I got my first Heljan recently an 05, whist generally better than todays model two bits fell off within minutes of taking it out of the packaging, terrible couplings and even after run in pants over points. I dont think its a brand Ill be purchasing too many of thats for sure!
Interesting loco. The Class 15 reminds me of the Fairbanks-Morse H15-44 and early H16-44 in that they're road switchers with semi-streamlined designs. Shame about the Heljan mechanism. Supposedly, Heljan upgraded the mechanism on the very similar Class 16, but I wouldn't blame you for avoiding it.
Although what the loco has to offer is not the greatest, I think the review does it justice and will be something I will consider purchasing someday.
Thanks very much! Overall it's far from Heljan's worst... I quite like it personally, if not objectively xD
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hi Sam, interesting review and weird livery, guess this was the Liverpool Street pilot as she has a BR arrow and tops plate? I am really surprised you had such issues and low quality fittings. Mine was near perfect, looks like quality has slipped as later models were built. The intermittent running will be to do with the DCC blanking plug being lose or dry joints around the socket. Quite common on Heljan models. In case you are interested here is my recent BTC review of the 15 and 16, judge for yourself if the parts look better? ua-cam.com/video/NDzavdCMuFM/v-deo.html
Thanks Mike - glad to hear yours was much better - and great thinking on the DCC blanking plug... I'll bet you're right there, did seem like a loose connection!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I like the Class 15, but and this isn't Heljan's fault I really don't like how the short hood is than the short hood. If it was level in either direction, I'd think it was probably my favorite diesel locomotive. I do kind of wonder how a chopnose would look on the 15, though...
That is a beautiful consist you lined up behind it. Great review!!
I look this my work she is a beauty but why is Heljan stil not learning about the mechanism? Good video as always.
Was the cab interior glued the the loco body and if so why did it need to be removed I wonder? I seem to remember the earlier locos coming with bags of bits, Bachmann class 20, ViTrains 37 & 47. I think the arts being on sprues make it looks worse and is certainly preferable than paying someone to fit them and then having to remove them so you can actually use the loco, which is what I had to do with all my Heljans at one end.
Hello Sam, I have trying to discern the current prototypical coupler practice in England. Near as I can tell it is a 'Hitachi' designed system. Is this correct ? Can a reasonable version of it be found on current 00 models ? What I have noticed looks to be a hook and latch system. How complex is the detaching procedure ? Cheers.
Ok, I may have missed something, why was cab removal neccessary at all to take the body off? There were no screws or clips as far as I could see?
Hey Sam, which is your favourite? Hornby it Bachman?
its not entirely the motors fault for the cogging. yes a 5 pole is smoother than a 3 but the gearing does no favours in that regard. if it was lower geared it would crawl better and reduce cogging maybe remove it completely.
on a side note I would like to see you start testing dcc ready locos on dcc since you are already pulling them apart
I really Enjoyed the video sam and i think this is my new favorite diesel locomotive
It was a really amusing video, but tinkering with a dead locomotive is a big no no for me it's typical Heljan for me. When this video popped up I was like: ah, Sam's suffering again. I can live with the mediocre detail, but if it would be a bit nicer and an actual cab it would do it for me. The mechanism I probably don't have to explain you did a good job of it. It's a very interesting locomotive for me the front reminds me of the GT-3 with all the lamps. Still a very good review Sam and definitely a good reminder that I won't buy Heljan models 😅
Awesome video today Sam beautiful modle such a shame that it was dead
I have one of these as well. It is setup on DCC. It runs decently. Is is not as good as Heljan’s much more recent Class 16 model.
Sam, I think that your keeping something from us. Why not confess that Heljan buy the Marty Models rejects.......come on Sam fess up!😄🤣
Sam, your lack of response........the silence speaks volumes 😂😃
British Rail's unsuccessful Type 1 diesels and Heljan, what a pair!
Great review and great rockabilly music😁
haha thanks very much!! :D
@@SamsTrains better than the loco
I found your cynicism and general attitude in this video quite refreshing and enjoyable to watch.
Cheers.
I give you a lot of credit to tearing into a new engine! I would have been too upset to try!
Great review Sam but i won't be rushing out to buy it :)
haha I don't blame you for that!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
i think this or a class form around the same time was called the wonder engine(as in, i wonder if it will go today). also love the videos. it got me back into trains. i am likely wrong about that.
Oh interesting - because they were revolutionary at the time I guess? Never heard that one before. Thanks so much for that - lovely to hear! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
i was mostly wrong, the engine i was thinking of was BR 10800. i was right about the time period, as the 10800 had a working life spanning from 1950 to 1959
One theory as to why it worked with the shell off.
I note that the printed circuit card was mounted directly over the metal frame of the motor. It also appeared that the motor was able to shift position within its mount, quite easily. Sam, you poked the motor with your finger, and the motor moved!
Theory: in shipping, the motor shifted position just enough to touch the printed circuit card, causing anomalous behavior. Jiggling the model caused a momentary relief, but was insufficient to permanently fix the issue. Upon disassembly, the motor was returned to its design position and all is well.
Not a hill I will die on, its just a thought.
27:12 to see the motor shift at finger touch
I've got D8235 in green with full yellow ends and double arrows. It worked for an hour or so while running in, then burned out. I tried removing the flywheels from the motor to remotor it, but one snapped the axle instead of sliding off, so the new motor only powers one bogie (I've removed the worm drive to the other), so it isn't very powerful and also gets very warm. Only two of my modern spec locos have ever burned out, the other being the 17.
Fortunately, the class 16 is a much better model, like the class 23 baby deltic.
hi sam. a good model for 49.99p more than that is over the top. although its proving itself to be an adequate model..
Thanks for the comment - that sounds fair!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Whether or not this is realistic I am not sure, but I notice that the decal on the side of the cab is in BR Blue, not BR Green like the rest of the model. But then that is not a surprise; as you demonstrated nicely Heljan are known for cutting corners when producing models... :/
If I recall correctly, those data plates are stickers in real life with an opaque BR Blue background, so that may be prototypical!
This diesel must’ve somehow gotten a hangover if it doesn’t want to move, lol! 😂
I have 2 of these since they were released and on DCC they are fantastic runners and at slow speed. The instructions for fitting decoders are badly illustrated as you say. On the whole their diesels are fine, its the railbuses that are problematic . Extremely difficult to put decoders in, plus ive had the nylon gears split and had motor burnout on the AC one. Get the Park Royal railbus see what you make of it 😀
Hi Sam, Nice review, Yes I do like the engine, looks good, but not if you have to put it together first, so on that I'm out , All the best Brian 😃
I don’t know why but it really reminds me at least near the driver cab of most American freight diesels just blocky instead of angular
It's a High Short-Hood diesel, a design that began in the US in the mid 1940s and used in quite a lot of other countries also during the 50s and 60s and even later.
I think Heljan did a good job with this. At least at mimicking the unreliability of the actual Class 15s lol.
haha exactly - this I can commend! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
So, the main question here is : salvage or scrap ? 😂
First point : it's a semi-kit. I'm fine with it if the price follows. I don't have found this one for sale new, so I can't say more about it.
Basekeeper plate soaked with oil, enough to make a salad for four people : won't increase my appreciation of the brand...
Three poles motor, lighter than my Bachmann class 20, details fitted worse than Hornby railroad range, finish with huge gaps... Positive point : they don't have installed the whole set of buffer beams details like with their class 17. Outdated from the outside, if cheap (not over GBP 80 RRP new, for me), it can do the trick. At least, you have lights.
Performances : acceptable, if not fair, due to its age. At least, you can use her.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand the Heljan point : can you open it ? Usually, the answer is no, and here... it is barely yes. Everything is clipped, it's a complete drag to open it. Was it too simple to put two screws at the bottom that holds the whole body ?
I understand why they don't allow you to open their engine easily : the drivetrain is poor. And the motor is a piece of kraft. For the couplings, they are fighting to be at the bottom of the list with Dapol (flimsy couplings, but they have better ones on their recent powered models I ought to say).
Well, you paid her GBP 100, fair game, but it's a no-go for me, as with every other Heljan models. They planned to reissue the class 14, if you're in to test her, you have me as a viewer, I can't remember you having made a test of this model, and I hope they won't botch their forthcoming class 25.
Sam : "There is a gap in the market for a good model of a class 15" -> Accurascale and Rapido had entered the chat
The clips are cheaper -- fewer parts count and screws take time to tighten. Snapping on parts is simpler for assembly but disassembly usually results in damage.
Kinda reminds me of the British Railways 10800 or the "Wonder Locomotive" (as in I wonder if it will work today?), fairly similar in design
Ironically that's being made by Heljan and will probably be the same quality 😂
@@18EStudios Probably will be the most prototypical runner in their line
iIf no-one else has suggested it yet, I think the 'syp' must refer to the small yellow panels.
Sam, your reviews are always good, but I think all of the loco manufacturers have a stock of rejected locos, and they sell them to you, ha ha, regards, keep the reviews coming, pete
Hi Sam.
Love your reviews - as a lapsed railway modeller, I really appreciate your tests in the hope that, one day...
Incidentally, the "j" in Heljan is pronounced as a slightly swallowed "y" - they are Danish.
:-)
They seem to have forgotten to yellow-blob the forward bogie axle box, unless the original had plain bearings on one axle only... and why do pretty well all OO-gauge locomotives absolutely suck as regards their operation? Are they all broken, poor runners? For over £100??
The axlebox that hasn’t been picked out in yellow will have the speedo feed attached to it, many other diesels that have axleboxes picked out in yellow may have the odd one that isn’t picked out.
Thanks very much for the comment! And I noticed that on the axlebox too, but assumed that was intentional!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
As a fellow fan of early BR diesels, I won't be getting this one. On a similar topic, can't wait for Althearn's SD70ACe to drop tomorrow.
That's fair enough - it's a pity as it's a very unusual class... and the model isn't too bad, but completely understandable if you choose to avoid!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I genuinely don't understand why so many manufacturers that sell models for the UK market skimp on the quality of their mechanisms. Sure, this loco has likely been in that packaging for a decade, but that's no excuse for it not to run. Sure, the detailing is usually rather good for the price, but it's a shame if that means the locomotive won't ever run properly. I recently bought a Roco Class 189, which had never run and sat in its packaging since about 2004. Got it out of the box, and it ran immediately, and smoothly at that. Without everything being caked in oil.
It is strange how Heljan sometimes get things wrong. For example, their Class 33s and 26s seem very good to be.
Nice video Sam sadly heljan has broken there spotless record now.
The class 17
If there is a Class 28 CoBo loco out there, you should review it as a Part 3 video if the Class 17 was Part 1 and the class 15 was Part 2
My class 15 was rather good and would have scored a lot better than yours. It was and still is an excellent runner and the build quality was also very good.............................until the buffer beam fell off. Great review as always Sam
Sam, I detect grumpy old man just over the horizon, Brilliant.
Resembles that RS-11 you reviewed a few weeks ago
I see what you mean - it's a similar kind of shape!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
"Let's see if we can imitate his mechanical prowess" had me totally cracking up. I actually enjoy your reviews of the terrible models more than the good ones.
Real example of the lights are on but the driver is at his home
From the the design i thought it was going to run okay but when it comes to the performance...oh good grace how bad the motor is running...eh maybe one day they will improve haha... Cheers mate and have a good one!
haha yeah - I've never had a loco completely dead before, but fortunately it fixed itself somehow! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains
Dead? Well, the lights worked . . .
If you hate it so much can I have it haha, I love the look of the 15, 16 and 20 and seen a photoshopped class 38 artists impression using a 20 style cab at both ends and narrow engine covers like the 58
I'd just send the loco back and have it replaced as it didn't work when you first put it on the track opening it up invalidate the warranty
Hi Sam, I have a heljan class 35 hymek, and since purchasing new, it’s never ran, only the lights work, I can’t see what’s wrong and I’m not technically minded to work out the problem 😥
It certainly won't be anything you've done - it's Heljan - was this recently? Hopefully you can return it?
Thanks for watching - Sam :)