Baggies421 Posted December 29, 2016 Share Posted December 29, 2016 Hi, I am considering purchasing the Heljan O Gauge Class 31. I am new to O gauge and have been trying to find magazine reviews as a guide without success. Even better than that is the opinion of the members who own one. So please can you let me know as to what you think of it, + and -, many thanks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earl Bathurst Posted December 29, 2016 Share Posted December 29, 2016 I personally think its a good model. Its a good model to start off with and you wont be disappointed. Its reliable and looks the part. Ill PM you. Scott Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted December 29, 2016 Share Posted December 29, 2016 Google search RMweb, as there was quite a thread about it when it was released. Apparently there are some errors if you go over it with a micrometer, and are ultra-nit-picky, but it stood up well in a photo line-up with the various kit versions available. I have one & love it - it sure looks like a 31 to me. It can be enhanced with the etches available from Peter Harvey. Your bigger problem might be getting hold of one; the BR TOPS Blue one sold out very quickly. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
delticfan Posted December 29, 2016 Share Posted December 29, 2016 Got one and love it. Like the previous post I would say you need to move swiftly, if you can't find the right colour you could have it resprayed, cheaper than waiting for one on flea bay. I think tower still have some left. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baggies421 Posted December 29, 2016 Author Share Posted December 29, 2016 Hi, I am considering purchasing the Heljan O Gauge Class 31. I am new to O gauge and have been trying to find magazine reviews as a guide without success. Even better than that is the opinion of the members who own one. So please can you let me know as to what you think of it, + and -, many thanks. Many thanks for that I have just this minute got one from Tower Models, I realised I had to move quick so appreciate your fast responses, cheers Julian. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
muddys-blues Posted December 29, 2016 Share Posted December 29, 2016 I have a blue 31 sound fitted, It was one of my first 7mm purchases off an esteemed modeller of this Church ... I love it love it love it love it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
delticfan Posted December 30, 2016 Share Posted December 30, 2016 A word of warning or advice, O gauge is addictive I started off with a Heljan class 20 and have quite a few more now! I use the excuse I don't have time to build kits so it makes more sense to buy rtr while I'm still working, when I retire I can build kits. Come on who am I kidding? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold uk_pm Posted December 30, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted December 30, 2016 You have taken the right decision! But I agree with the warning given by delticfan; O gauge is addictive. I have not abandoned my OO layout, but it now has to vie for my attention with my (much smaller) O gauge layout, and the various kits I am constructing for it. I know they have their critics, but I consider the Heljan models to be excellent value for money and very good runners. I can't wait for their forthcoming 37, Peak, 128 and DMUs... Point made? Enjoy! PM Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spenc Posted January 1, 2017 Share Posted January 1, 2017 You have taken the right decision! But I agree with the warning given by delticfan; O gauge is addictive. I have not abandoned my OO layout, but it now has to vie for my attention with my (much smaller) O gauge layout, and the various kits I am constructing for it. I know they have their critics, but I consider the Heljan models to be excellent value for money and very good runners. I can't wait for their forthcoming 37, Peak, 128 and DMUs... Point made? Enjoy! PM I have a Heljan class 31 I know they are great I did not thing the magnets were that strong to run them upside down.Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted January 1, 2017 Share Posted January 1, 2017 Always liked 31s but white-sriped 31/4s were just the best!! A simple adornment, but didn't it make them look smart?!?! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold uk_pm Posted January 2, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 2, 2017 I have a Heljan class 31 I know they are great I did not thing the magnets were that strong to run them upside down. Steve Oops! Magnadhesion; remember that?! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
edcayton Posted January 2, 2017 Share Posted January 2, 2017 Are the middle wheels on each bogie smaller and unpowered as they should be? Ed Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted January 2, 2017 Share Posted January 2, 2017 Are the middle wheels on each bogie smaller and unpowered as they should be? Ed Yes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
deltic17 Posted January 2, 2017 Share Posted January 2, 2017 Yes - the 31 is very good - here is 31278 of Thornaby depot Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted January 2, 2017 Share Posted January 2, 2017 Well as we're having "Gratuitous HJ 31 Photos" I might as well post mine... Still being detailed at the moment, 31 415 of Old Oak Common... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold MarshLane Posted January 5, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 5, 2017 I missed out on the blue ones, but this was originally a green example before being repainted! Recommend Pete Harvey's etches which were added to 31199 below: Rich Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baggies421 Posted January 7, 2017 Author Share Posted January 7, 2017 Thanks all for your posts, yes I think it's a great loco, as I said my first O Gauge loco, who said it was addictive, followed by the Rail bus and Class 25. I have heard an ouch from the wallet!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
delticfan Posted January 7, 2017 Share Posted January 7, 2017 Go for it, RTR O gauge the Vegas of model railways! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.