Trains4U Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 I'm afraid my pics aren't up to my usual standard - I've borrowed Elizabeth's changing mat as a background... I'm fortunte enough to have acquired one of these for myself, and I haven't done a photo guide for a while. I haven't as yet had a chance to run the model, but if it is anything like th 47s and 58s I already own, it should run beautifully. Opening the box, the loco is well wrapped. There is a full pack of bufferbeam detail as well as a spare bufferbeam. A hand-numbered certificate (I can't tell whether mine is 1412 or 1452!) there is also an exploded diagram with a brief overview of Kestrel's history and operating instructions. One thing missing though - No couplings. It would appear that Heljan neglected to include them in the boxes. Instead we were supplied with a bulk pack. If ordering a loco please check with your supplier that they have included some couplings. The model is pretty impressive and imposing. It captures the shrek-like look well. The model represents Kestrel after it was fitted with clss 47 bogies, therefore there is a lot of parts commonality with the Heljan 47. I would imagine that the tooling costs of producing the original bogies with the unequal wheelbase would have been uneconomical. Colours and printing look good The headcodes are already fitted, unlike with previous Heljan models, it is not possible to change the headcodes on this model and no alternatives are provided. Sorry about the odd angle - Roof fans are solid moulds as on the 47. Heljan have not left openings as with falcon. Like it's class 47 cousin, Kestrel is a PITA to get into. It opens up exactly like the 47, with four lugs which require a small sheet of plasticard (Credit cards do fine) on each lug, then a gentle tug of the chassis at one end. Lighting is by LED, as per Falcon and the class 17s and 58s There is a lot of commonality with the class 47 chassis. The bogies, bogie mounts, motor and circuit board are the same. There is an 8-pin socket for DCC control The loco has the latest nickel wheels (As on the 58 and 17), rather than the brass efforts used on previous models. Dirty wheels should not be a problem. As yet I haven't had a chance to run it, but weight, colour and quality of finish look really good, as I would expect fom Heljan. Its a lot of loco for ??110, and given recent price rises from Hornby, suddenly doesen't look (Comparatively) so expensive. I'll give a running report when I get chance - unless I'm beaten to it! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Piszczek Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 Its a lot of loco for ??110, and given recent price rises from Hornby, suddenly doesen't look (Comparatively) so expensive. Considering the one off nature of the prototype, and the limited sales, not a bad deal at all. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Griffin Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 this loco really is awesome. its power and looks, even the horns. just sitting here looking at it and it oozes power and style. IMHO the best yet from Heljan. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
S.A.C Martin Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 I am very much looking forward to lining my example up alongside Falcon and Deltic (cheers by the way Gareth ) when I get to take it home in a few weeks. Until then it can sit next to the Stirling Single and like it! :icon_lol: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
southcoastmtb Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 i have picked up mine today, now running a rake of blue and silver coaches behind it and runs like a dream, realistic slow and fast running beautiful detailing too, another good job from Heljan again the ONLY things that lets it down... and they are minor really, was the lack of couplings in the box and the lack of a driver (but then again i haven't got a driver with any Heljan) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JZ Posted October 15, 2009 Share Posted October 15, 2009 Here is mine. I have painted the exhausts and the front of the horns black. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
M. Jones Posted October 15, 2009 Share Posted October 15, 2009 Gareth, thanks for a great write up and pics. Mike Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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