O gauge models for display

[stephenCC]

I am looking to obtain one or two  top quality / professionally built and finished O gauge locomotives.  I am specifically looking for class 55 and class 37 diesels in O gauge.

 

I am not new to railway modelling (run some N gauge), but building a bespoke kit model from scratch or finishing off a Heljan model, for example, are beyond my skill level.  The models need to be of the highest quality build, detailing and finish - their sole function will be as display models in a cabinet (so no additional DCC, etc required).

 

I am in need of some advise / pointers as to what to consider, where to go, who to approach.

 

any advice most welcome....

[PMP]

On 04/09/2021 at 20:35, stephenCC said:

I am looking to obtain one or two  top quality / professionally built and finished O gauge locomotives.  I am specifically looking for class 55 and class 37 diesels in O gauge.

 

 The models need to be of the highest quality build, detailing and finish - their sole function will be as display models in a cabinet (so no additional DCC, etc required).

 

Firstly you’ll need a healthy budget. The fastest route to your display would be to buy Heljan RTR models and then get a good detail/respray company to finish them to your desired specifications.

 

Your second route would be to source kits of the types and then commission a builder to do the build/painting/details to your requirements. This will be a much more expensive option than the first one as you will have to pay the construction time, and kits are normally more expensive than RTR.

 

Both options will have long lead times, as the best builders and customisers have healthy order books. Ask to see previous work, and get ‘references’ from previous customers. If buying kits, the manufacturer is likely to be able to point you in the direction of Comission builders who use their kits. 
 

A simple Google search ‘model railway repaints’ will get you started. Don’t expect to find on line prices for what you’re asking ‘the highest quality’ they will be specifically priced for you, based on what you need, but expect to pay a few thousand pounds for the kit route at least.

 

Edited September 8, 2021 by PMP

[73080]

Comment regarding Deltic models on Gauge0Guild forum:

"Heljan’s has so many errors and the Loveless production ones were close but still off the mark"

 

Link to Loveless website below.  As this page appears to have been last updated on 16 Sept 2016, it may now merely be a record of what was produced.

 

If I remember correctly, when it was released the model cost about £2,500.

 

http://www.loveless.co.uk/deltic/

[PMP]

The Heljan version can be significantly improved with Shawplan components, as the OP didn’t indicate the available budget, it’s worth mentioning. Also DJH still do commission builds, their Deltics are around the £3.5k price.

[37114]

A Heljan 37 can be made passable with £60 or so of bits from PHD and Shawplan.:

Full details on my Peasevern Yard thread.

[37114]

On 04/09/2021 at 20:35, stephenCC said:

I am looking to obtain one or two  top quality / professionally built and finished O gauge locomotives.  I am specifically looking for class 55 and class 37 diesels in O gauge.

 

I am not new to railway modelling (run some N gauge), but building a bespoke kit model from scratch or finishing off a Heljan model, for example, are beyond my skill level.  The models need to be of the highest quality build, detailing and finish - their sole function will be as display models in a cabinet (so no additional DCC, etc required).

 

I am in need of some advise / pointers as to what to consider, where to go, who to approach.

 

any advice most welcome....

Lee's Locos have a thread on here, he does a professional weathering service and resprays