blueeighties

Marvellous.

That's nice Andy, Charlw or a different layout?

A big 0 gauge class 20 getting the fading and weathering treatment.

First pictures...new Heljan pre-production 00 gauge class 45. Good morning everyone, I hope you are all well. Very proud to show and announce the first painted pre-production sample of the forthcoming Heljan 00 gauge class 45. This is the first time the 45/1 variant has been accurately reproduced, with a correctly tooled roof and other associated details. The other 45/0 sub variant will also be produced. Please note that this is a pre production first test bodyshell, the main objective was testing fit and livery elements, there are some detail errors that will be corrected before moving into production. I offer a pre order service on all new Heljan, and you all know by now a full repaint, weathering, renumbering and sound fitting service. Drop me a line with any order requirements. Regards, Lee.

First pictures...new Heljan pre-production 00 gauge class 45. Good morning everyone, I hope you are all well. Very proud to show and announce the first painted pre-production sample of the forthcoming Heljan 00 gauge class 45. This is the first time the 45/1 variant has been accurately reproduced, with a correctly tooled roof and other associated details. The other 45/0 sub variant will also be produced. Please note that this is a pre production first test bodyshell, the main objective was testing fit and livery elements, there are some detail errors that will be corrected before moving into production. I offer a pre order service on all new Heljan, and you all know by now a full repaint, weathering, renumbering and sound fitting service. Drop me a line with any order requirements. Regards, Lee.

Give me a chance!! Obviously I need to get to grips with the technology first, the next stage is fitting everything into a locomotive body. Don't worry, I didn't plan to haul the as pictured test rig around on a large sheet of foamboard

And following on from Yesterday video....now with added smoke!

Just out of interest for all of the detail doom mongers......BR blue and large logo 37116 have already sold out on pre orders from Heljan. They can't be that bad then!

I have recently discovered the excellent work of Jamie Goodman and his soundfiles. This is the class 37, under test with a pair of ESU EM3 speakers. Enjoy the thrash! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kofd9McfB84

Simon. Sorry to say, but those mini doorhandles should have been from the 1981 very limited 'Indian-Anglo' test batch. Only 43 and a half were actually made, but you know, these things should be right. Unfortunately the rear boot door hinges are also incorrect, for this model year, they were a special variation of the MFI Millbourne 180 deg triple door wardrobe. I have a volume of 'Great British flatpack wardrobes and their hinges' if you would like to pm to arrange to borrow it.

Todays shot....3 weathered Heljan RES class 47s. Quite a smart livery actually!

Another finished 31 today. This time a Railfreight grey repaint as 31125. The repaint was done by Andrew Donnelly, weathering and soundfitting by me.

The cab interior mounted lighting boards are different for factory sound and non sound locos. They are not interchangeable between locos. If I recall 128 was sound fitted. I find the best solution is to hard wire the contacts in, the spring contacts are a terrible idea and very unreliable.

Why do people get their knickers in such a twist over model trains? The big duff was one of the very first diesel releases, and was released in a slightly less 'detail critical' era. However given a half decent paint and weathering job, it looks like a decent duff to me. The new one will be a much improved version of the old one, so happy days as far as I'm concerned.

No sun today, torrential rain and fog. However the mist seems to work a treat for photography. Just finished....Heljan 0 gauge class 47, repainted, weathered, sound fitted, all of the usual trimmings.

Here we have a quartet of 0 gauge class 45s that have been repainted, and are about to be weathered. Well, 3 of them are anyways. Can you spot the one that hasn't used transfers from my preferred supplier? This particular set were supplied by my customer, from the so called 'top dog' of the transfer world. Might just be me, but I have always had issues with these particular transfers....this just goes to prove I'm glad I went against the grain and don't use them! Locos have all been treated exactly the same way, primed, painted, glossed, transfers, and then gloss sealed.

I'm sorry, but you are way off the mark with your assumptions. This character has proved time and time again through failed projects, pie in the sky promises, and many many other failings that these are not just unfortunate errors or poorly timed business decisions. He knew what he was doing. Believe me there are many in the trade who would like some time alone in a locked room with this individual.

Unfortunately Andy, I think we both know that's more than likely going to happen. This crook has proved it time and time again.

00 gauge 56076. A local 'pet' locomotive, modelled in it's slightly bling state after naming, and further tarted up for the Hexham open day, I think of 1984.

Weathering powders won't adhere to an out of the box factory finish. They need a key. Matt varnish is good for this.

Hi. Take the front cab windscreens out, they should gently prise out, or pull out by sticking blue tack or similar to them. Once out, you gain access to the 2 screws securing the cab to the main body.

Damn yes.

I'm presuming that assumption and statement is based purely on this thread, with nothing else other than fresh air to substantiate it. My order book and many others within trade circles would indicate there is certainly a very large interest in the 2nd generation version of the class 47. Perhaps the lack of commenting on this thread is down to folk becoming bored with hearing the same voices banging the same drum every single time a new model is going through the development process. These are 2nd generation models. So the manufacturer has listened and has improved things. At the end of the day these are models....no model has, or will ever be 100% accurate to the prototype. Even if that ever happened, I'm sure the experts would still find fault on areas that 'they just can't quite put their finger on'.

The first of a few of the recently released Heljan 0 gauge class 03s in the workshop rolling off the bench. Paintwork has been gently faded, Zimo/Paul Chetter soundfitted, and a suitable layer of typical GD grime clagged on. And yes, the odd electrification flash and other small detail have not been altered to match prototype images, customer did not require this A truly wonderful model.

Morning guys, hope everyone is keeping safe and healthy. I don't know if we have any oo trackbuilders following on here....I have some bits and pieces for sale. Drop me a pm if of any interest