Heljan announce Class 45 in OO

[owentherail]

1 hour ago, apollo 079 said:

Yes I picked up on that a while back and it has been corrected as you say. Also of note on this model the former boiler room panel is exposed which is correct for 45102-7 and 45112. Unless I've missed a commission, Heljan have yet to announce a blue model with this variant. The non-headlight fitted un-numbered 45/1 for Olivia's trains does feature the lower bodyside grille by the looks of things, but not the exposed ex-boiler room grille. Since apparently there is no grille modelled underneath the cover, this makes modelling others of this group a bit tricky unless you re-spray 106. Incidentally (and probably not a co-incidence), all the 45/1s with the uncovered boiler room grille also featured the additional lower bodyside grilles.

 

Noted comments about the lack of visibility of the body framing behind the radiator grille, this seems to be less of an issue with 106, possibly because the grilles are light grey rather than blue but the definition tends to fade a bit if viewed from No2 end and depends on lighting conditions. The grey of the nose side body grilles extends over the outer frames, which it shouldn't according to photographs of the prototype (and my memories). There has been an interesting attempt to imitate metal lustre on the Tinsley rose depot plaques with the left side depicted shinier than the right. No etches are included for this detail, which is a shame as Shawplan don't seem to do a red background version of these plaques. Also it really needs etched silver double arrows, but these should be easier to source.

 

Other than that, I agree with comments that the finished loco is not as bad as I had feared, but definitely seems a bit on the tall side and the curvature of the roofline is not quite there compared to the Bachmann 45/0. Also I believe the sealed beam marker lights are a wee bit small. 

 

Still, it's a 45/1, and I need 45/1s (and 46s with sealed beams).

 

Hope this helps.

 

Kevin

I think Fox mite do the red tinsley logo. I've got some transfers of grills to put in the missing grill area, why mave cover removable if nothing under it !!!! 

[tmc]

On 10/10/2022 at 12:30, stovepipe said:

 

The nose doors don't seem to be very visible - or at all in fact!

 

We have good news! It's just a poor angle the photo was taken at. Please see below image, these are fantastic models and the doors are moulded perfectly :) 

We're going to be doing some promo videos and posting them on the TMC peak thread over the next few days. So this will give you a chance to get some better views of the models as they take a tour round the layout pictured below. [WARNING - LAYOUT STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION :D]

 

[Phil Bullock]

2 minutes ago, tmc said:

 

We have good news! It's just a poor angle the photo was taken at. Please see below image, these are fantastic models and the doors are moulded perfectly :) 

We're going to be doing some promo videos and posting them on the TMC peak thread over the next few days. So this will give you a chance to get some better views of the models as they take a tour round the layout pictured below. [WARNING - LAYOUT STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION :D]

 

Thanks for sharing that. Hoping mine might arrive soon? Cheers!

[tmc]

8 minutes ago, Phil Bullock said:

Thanks for sharing that. Hoping mine might arrive soon? Cheers!

Dispatched today! Royal Mail should be sending you your tracking number hopefully :) 

[Phil Bullock]

1 minute ago, tmc said:

Dispatched today! Royal Mail should be sending you your tracking number hopefully :) 

And just seen dispatch email! Super service thank you very much…,

[PjKing1]

24 minutes ago, tmc said:

 

We have good news! It's just a poor angle the photo was taken at. Please see below image, these are fantastic models and the doors are moulded perfectly :) 

We're going to be doing some promo videos and posting them on the TMC peak thread over the next few days. So this will give you a chance to get some better views of the models as they take a tour round the layout pictured below. [WARNING - LAYOUT STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION :D]

 

Looking forward to mine to looks great 🤗

[pheaton]

5 hours ago, apollo 079 said:

Yes I picked up on that a while back and it has been corrected as you say. Also of note on this model the former boiler room panel is exposed which is correct for 45102-7 and 45112. Unless I've missed a commission, Heljan have yet to announce a blue model with this variant. The non-headlight fitted un-numbered 45/1 for Olivia's trains does feature the lower bodyside grille by the looks of things, but not the exposed ex-boiler room grille. Since apparently there is no grille modelled underneath the cover, this makes modelling others of this group a bit tricky unless you re-spray 106. Incidentally (and probably not a co-incidence), all the 45/1s with the uncovered boiler room grille also featured the additional lower bodyside grilles.

 

Noted comments about the lack of visibility of the body framing behind the radiator grille, this seems to be less of an issue with 106, possibly because the grilles are light grey rather than blue but the definition tends to fade a bit if viewed from No2 end and depends on lighting conditions. The grey of the nose side body grilles extends over the outer frames, which it shouldn't according to photographs of the prototype (and my memories). There has been an interesting attempt to imitate metal lustre on the Tinsley rose depot plaques with the left side depicted shinier than the right. No etches are included for this detail, which is a shame as Shawplan don't seem to do a red background version of these plaques. Also it really needs etched silver double arrows, but these should be easier to source.

 

Other than that, I agree with comments that the finished loco is not as bad as I had feared, but definitely seems a bit on the tall side and the curvature of the roofline is not quite there compared to the Bachmann 45/0. Also I believe the sealed beam marker lights are a wee bit small. 

 

Still, it's a 45/1, and I need 45/1s (and 46s with sealed beams).

 

Hope this helps.

 

Kevin

Heljan have also got the wrong axle boxes for this loco, 45106 was one of the few peaks to feature ALL SKF axle boxes with a very distinctive cover....most other peaks were a mix of SKF and Timken...but to be fair to Heljan...this would have been an absolute minefield...

Edited October 11, 2022 by pheaton

[younGGuns7]

2 hours ago, tmc said:

 

We have good news! It's just a poor angle the photo was taken at. Please see below image, these are fantastic models and the doors are moulded perfectly :) 

We're going to be doing some promo videos and posting them on the TMC peak thread over the next few days. So this will give you a chance to get some better views of the models as they take a tour round the layout pictured below. [WARNING - LAYOUT STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION :D]

 

Cant wait for mine, bit of a wait for the weathering etc but it will be worth it 

['CHARD]

2 hours ago, tmc said:

 

We have good news! It's just a poor angle the photo was taken at. Please see below image, these are fantastic models and the doors are moulded perfectly :) 

 

 So this will give you a chance to get some better views of the models as they take a tour round the layout pictured below. [WARNING - LAYOUT STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION :D]

 

 

And the source of the derailment was.... 

 

😉

[Phil Bullock]

27 minutes ago, 'CHARD said:

 

And the source of the derailment was.... 

 

😉

Always use a rerailing ramp for 16 wheelers…. 😀

[andyman7]

3 hours ago, tmc said:

 

We have good news! It's just a poor angle the photo was taken at. Please see below image, these are fantastic models and the doors are moulded perfectly :) 

We're going to be doing some promo videos and posting them on the TMC peak thread over the next few days. So this will give you a chance to get some better views of the models as they take a tour round the layout pictured below. [WARNING - LAYOUT STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION :D]

 

It was a quick snap of what looked a very attractive model. It certainly wasn't posed or intended as a 'poor' angle but I guess I'll stick to the modelling 😬

[Phil Bullock]

Looking at the critical details…

 

Boiler room grille plated….. check!

Inspection grille plated …… check! 
Body side boiler filler access steps open …. check!

Bogie boiler filler access steps present… check!

Rear sand boxes present ….. ooer missus hang on a mo….. 

 

Peak D15 at BTM definitely has them…  is there another photo of her in this condition without them I wonder? 
 

An easy fix if not, have plenty in stock removed from other Peaks.

Edited October 12, 2022 by Phil Bullock
Spelling Timothy!

[TheEngineShed]

17 minutes ago, andyman7 said:

It was a quick snap of what looked a very attractive model. It certainly wasn't posed or intended as a 'poor' angle but I guess I'll stick to the modelling 😬

 

TMC's own photos on the website didn't show the doors well on the yellow nosed unit.  Hard to see on bright yellow if the lighting doesn't provide any shadows.  Lesson here is get out the diluted grimy black and have a go at the door edges and nose seam. 

 

Those nose seams certainly look better than the early Bachy ones.  Remember when they forgot the seam, and you had to carve it yourself!   Then on the next run, the mad trencher had a go, and it looked like the Suez Canal... 

[TheEngineShed]

1 hour ago, Phil Bullock said:

Rear sand boxes present ….. ooer missus hang on a mo….. 

 

Peak D15 at BTM definitely has them…  is there another photo of her in this condition without them I wonder?

 

Opps, you might have caught one!  Just had a look at photos, 15 had definitely lost them when she had center head code and dual brakes fitted, but appears to have had rear boxes as D15.     

 

The missing sand boxes are in the parts baggy...

Edited October 11, 2022 by TheEngineShed

[Phil Bullock]

6 hours ago, TheEngineShed said:

 

Opps, you might have caught one!  Just had a look at photos, 15 had definitely lost them when she had center head code and dual brakes fitted, but appears to have had rear boxes as D15.     

 

The missing sand boxes are in the parts baggy...

Ah that’s good news …. Heljan/TMC have covered it then. One less job to do when she arrives, just screw links, wire coupling loops and crew to fit…. And change headcodes, think we have her on the Devonian in at least one direction.

 

That looks a useful photo , where does it reside please? 

Edited October 12, 2022 by Phil Bullock
Additional info

[Crisis Rail]

On 08/10/2022 at 23:56, adb968008 said:

My unnumbered 45/1 arrived tonight.

 

First impressions, well it looks like what it says on the box.

its a 45/1 no doubting it, from a detail perspective it seems to have what it takes to make the grade.

How does it stack up ?

Well heres its historical peers… starting at the bottom, the first model to have a flywheel drive in the UK… the upgraded Mainline 45 (to a Bachmann 46), then a more recent 2020 Bachmann class 45/0 and todays Heljan 45/1.

first the bodies, well dimensionally, the length of all 3 are pretty much accurate, but thats where they start to diverge… for the most part I will focus on the Bachmann 45/0 and Heljan 45/1 

Body length matches, internally they are much the same.. as side of screw holes, you can ( and I tried ) to swap bodies.. sacrificing the screw holes would make it possible.

 

 

Externally not much separates the 45/0 from the 45/1 … its a few panels on the roof, body side steps to the boiler, and an eth socket…

 

Top to Bottom.. Old 46, Bachmann 45/0 and Heljan 45/1

How does the Heljan body stack up against Bachmanns

 

1. it has the frame strengtheners (for lifting)  under the body which Bachmann doesnt have.

2. It has some additional pipework on the top of the bogies, beneath the body.

 

Both have representations if the internal body side strengtheners through the grills, and handrails which arent quite right (bent into the body rather than a rail attached to a protusion near the top and bottom.

 

The maintenance hatch by the double arrow is slightly over pronounced for my liking.

 

 

both have a separate fan representation.

But something just isnt sitting right with me on the front end…

 

An in-depth look reveals the roof is slightly taller on Heljan than Bachmanns.. and the old 46 tooling is just plain dumpy by comparison of the other two.

The front end of Heljans bogies are decorated both ends and gave an NEM box for the coupling.

 

By levelling up and focussing on the bodies the Bachmann bottom end has that downward lip, which Heljans does not have. The nose seam is finer on Heljans but they  are at similar height. But then it differs.. Bachmanns nose seems slight less arc’ed meaning the centre window starts a fraction lower, and that arc at the roof feels rounder on the Heljan meaning a taller centre window.

 

Now when I measured body height there really isnt much in it… about a 0.5 mm, but there is a slight difference, and I think the darker blue of Heljan accentuates the feel of it.

 

There isnt really much to pick between these two… see below for performance, weight and draw bar pull… (drawbar pull is at max amps)… but the reason for the 1990’s class 46 is clear.. weight = pull, even if its 1/3rd more power consumption.

 

How about below the chassis…

 

HEALTH WARNING… the instructions say remove 4 screws and pull off the body… Good luck with that. There is simply nothing to hold on to… dont hold the bogies, you’ll break the towers, dont hold the battery box, it will come off. The body is a nice snug fit to the chassis… so snug those cab handrails are holding the body on too.

I used 4 old business cards (Hotel keys were too thick), push them over the handrails and deep into the body on all 4 sides. I then tipped it right side up and squeezed the business cards inwards.. it created just enough to loosen the grip at the nose end and pull out the chassis.. but this took several attempts.

 

In retrospect… refit the plastic holding cradle around the fuel tank, and use that as a grip to remove the chassis.

 

 

 

 

This chassis is a considerable improvement on the 25 and 86, nice chunky motor more soacious board and you could get a speaker onto the extension piece. There is switching for lighting options and a speaker jst. The board did feel a bit cramped at one end with jsts pointing wires out towards the body, rather than sideways along the board, especially when theres unused white space for it near the chip.

 

The cab is nicely detailed..

 

and the motor is a slightly smaller motor, but a more modern motor than past Heljan locos.. it looks like a Laisdcc motor not a Mashima, but it delivers the goods and its a step up from the older Heljan type motor

Bachmanns 46 is 4 wheel drive

Bachmanns 45/0 is 4 wheel drive

Heljans 45/1 is 6 wheel drive

 

and finally the bogies…

(Heljan chassis with a Bachmann bogie underneath for comparison).

 

Boy what big axle boxes you have..

And what a big hole exists for the front axle.

 

 

As can be seen above, the Bachmann bogie design allows for a much wider swing radius, when both were at maximum swing.

The Heljan chassis allows lateral movement of the bogie tower inside the bogie cradle (like in 18000), and the front pony has independant oscillation and lateral movement… it means, imo,  an oversized hole for the axle end and the wheel does make full use of the space. However I did find it tight in 2nd radius, it still worked fine, and with less outward bogie swing of Bachmann.

 

in summing up…

 

Pros…

its a 45/1 and its as accurate dimensionally as its Bachmann 45/0 equivalent.

its got a nice bogie swing

nice cab internal render

more detailed bogie/body interface detailing

6 wheel drive (12 wheel in total)

 

Cons

Imo the blue is too dark, it makes the roof curve especially look worse than it is

The centre cab window / roof arc is greater than Bachmanns and makes the nose end shape feel slightly off

Big Axle boxes, and a big pony axle hole

 

its a very credible model in my opinion, and as a 45/1 it will sit as it should, albeit darker blue than your other locos. But your choice in 45/0 is less clear cut.

 

What might I do next?

 

Well i bought some Bachmann 45/0 bogies a while back, as I saw the EP and wondered about that pony wheel, seeing the axlebox it may encourage me to do some bogie frame swapping… Otherwise all good.. 45106 and 45118 will now follow, but my Bachmann 45/0’s arent going anywhere.

Good summary 👏
 

From the Mainline version of yesteryear. No one really has the right to be critical. 

 

[Suzy Sulzer]

10 hours ago, Phil Bullock said:

Always use a rerailing ramp for 16 wheelers…. 😀

There are lifting points on 45s.I made replica 'instruction' plates to identify location on a REAL 45 . Don't confuse them with the derailment brackets ,all ready moulded on body side of loco. 2 minor irregularities found on model, one the back head cab wall heaters (4 off) were painted cream/grey to match the canvas on the back head wall during the 1970's, the model depicts it in the original black as built format, we reverted back to black in preservation on the peak. The other minor niggle on the ETH version, there is a conduit run for the ETH which runs from the left buffer to the right buffer, its moulded on the buffer beam for the 451 model and it should be painted orange as opposed to black.  Not a show stopper but at least they have correctly moulded the conduit run. I appreciate Phil is referring to the model and I'm referring to the actual locomotive but the said lifting eye bracket has been omitted from the model and is possibly a separate fitting.

Edited October 12, 2022 by Suzy Sulzer

[Ian Hargrave]

2 hours ago, Phil Bullock said:

Ah that’s good news …. Heljan/TMC have covered it then. One less job to do when she arrives, just screw links, wire coupling loops and crew to fit…. And change headcodes, think we have her on the Devonian in at least one direction.

 

That looks a useful photo , where does it reside please? 

So then…let’s hear it for 1V39 (55A/55H) but not 1N37 (4 character 82A).

[tmc]

11 hours ago, 'CHARD said:

 

And the source of the derailment was.... 

 

😉

 

We're getting reports that he (or she) had to swerve for a sheep on the line. It's a regular occurrence here on the NYMR too 😅

[tmc]

10 hours ago, Phil Bullock said:

Always use a rerailing ramp for 16 wheelers…. 😀

Noted 🙈

[apollo 079]

Just to update my earlier posting re the green 45106 model, Steve Bell at Railtec Transfers now does 3d printed Tinsley depot white rose plaques with red background, suitable for this loco and 47186 (if anyone knows any others which had this colour plaque, please let Steve or myself know). These are available to order on the website, item code PL2024. Please excuse the plug but he's knocked these up for me on the same day of request, so hope others will be interested.

 

Kevin

[adb968008]

17 hours ago, apollo 079 said:

 

Yes I picked up on that a while back and it has been corrected as you say. Also of note on this model the former boiler room panel is exposed which is correct for 45102-7 and 45112. Unless I've missed a commission, Heljan have yet to announce a blue model with this variant. The non-headlight fitted un-numbered 45/1 for Olivia's trains does feature the lower bodyside grille by the looks of things, but not the exposed ex-boiler room grille.

 

Heljan has 2 unnumbered sealed beam limited editions with Olivias.. both have the hatch.

 

One has no headlight, but exposed grills catalog: 45403

https://www.hattons.co.uk/464304/heljan_45403_class_45_1_peak_in_br_blue_with_sealed_beam_marker_lights_unnumbered_olivias_co/stockdetail
 

One has headlight and a panel catalog: 45504

https://www.hattons.co.uk/464305/heljan_45504_class_45_1_peak_in_br_blue_with_sealed_beam_marker_lights_and_hi_intensity_headl/stockdetail
 

45106 has the headlight, but would adding a headlight to 45403 would get you to this version ?

 

under the body, the LEDs are chassis mounted, with a black light box on the body to divert the beam to the lights .. adding a headlight would get you straight to the LED so no real work needed beyond that (i’m thinking of a 45112 with headlight myself at some point and was thinking 45403 as a candidate and adding the light)

 

 

17 hours ago, apollo 079 said:

Still, it's a 45/1, and I need 45/1s (and 46s with sealed beams).

 

Hope this helps.

 

Kevin

Agreed on a 46 with sealed beams.. why its been such a long time to get this I dont know. I was a kid when 46’s were being withdrawn, but I recall seeing them everywhere.. it seems like it took forever to get rid.

Edited October 12, 2022 by adb968008

['CHARD]

7 minutes ago, adb968008 said:

 

 I was a kid when 46’s were being withdrawn, but I recall seeing them everywhere.. it seems like it took forever to get rid.

 

This caused a chuckle!  I love a Peak now (discovering the Waverley route saw to that), 45s and/or 46s, but they were very workaday locos as a youngster/ spotter in the West Midlands and consequently I took the type completely for granted (until travelling to/ ex university when I always sought the unfashionable* sixteen-wheelers out for haulage). 

 

It appears your sentiments chime with that early eighties zeitgeist; I clearly recall the surprise when 46003 and 024 fell by the wayside in 1977 when we were mourning the Westerns, but not until November '84 did the jungle-drums warn of 46045 and friends' last set-down at Tamworth.  

 

 

 

* 37s were de rigeur in the period 1985-88; you dared not breathe the 'P'-word 

[GordonC]

24 minutes ago, adb968008 said:

 

Heljan has 2 unnumbered sealed beam limited editions with Olivias.. both have the hatch.

 

One has no headlight, but exposed grills catalog: 45403

https://www.hattons.co.uk/464304/heljan_45403_class_45_1_peak_in_br_blue_with_sealed_beam_marker_lights_unnumbered_olivias_co/stockdetail
 

One has headlight and a panel catalog: 45504

https://www.hattons.co.uk/464305/heljan_45504_class_45_1_peak_in_br_blue_with_sealed_beam_marker_lights_and_hi_intensity_headl/stockdetail
 

45106 has the headlight, but would adding a headlight to 45403 would get you to this version ?

 

under the body, the LEDs are chassis mounted, with a black light box on the body to divert the beam to the lights .. adding a headlight would get you straight to the LED so no real work needed beyond that (i’m thinking of a 45112 with headlight myself at some point and was thinking 45403 as a candidate and adding the light)

 

 

Agreed on a 46 with sealed beams.. why its been such a long time to get this I dont know. I was a kid when 46’s were being withdrawn, but I recall seeing them everywhere.. it seems like it took forever to get rid.

 

With all the clamoring over producing sealed beam Class 45s and 45/1s I'm a little surprised we haven't had the option of a 46 too.

[apollo 079]

Olivia's 45403 does indeed have the additional lower bodyside (trapezoid shaped) grilles so it is suitable for some of those which had these grilles added. However it also has a blanking patch over the former boiler grilles and an earlier poster suggested that for these models there is no grille moulded underneath (why, I can't imagine). If this is so, it rules out 45102-7 and 45112 unless you want to model the grilles yourself. I'm thinking of this option for 45122 which was one of those with the additional lower grilles but had the boiler grilles plated over.