Heljan class 26 OO gauge - BR green

Discussion in 'Product Reviews' started by cmcan, May 5, 2017.

  1. cmcan

    cmcan Full Member

    Messages:
    474
    Likes Received:
    56
    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2016
    Hi Everyone,

    I am looking for a class 26 for my birthday.

    Ive noticed a lot o heljan br green ones going on ebay?

    My preference is for blue but while these are available im interested.

    Any known issues with the model? Or maker?

    Cameron
     
  2. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

    Messages:
    15,419
    Likes Received:
    3,842
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2017
    Hi Cameron,

    I have several and had no issues. Heljan loco's are heavy weight brutes and in my experience, run very smoothly. When chipping them, I'd go for a decent decoder as they draw a bit more power than Bachmann and Hornby.

    More specifically, I was warned off Hornby Decoders as their current draw ability is lower than most. I'm sure others can offer a more technical explanation.

    With heljan ( 00 gauge ) I'd say you can buy with confidence. The only exception to that are their deltics. I have had issues with slipping gears straight out of the box.

    Enjoy your class 26. :tophat:

    Toto
     
  3. cmcan

    cmcan Full Member

    Messages:
    474
    Likes Received:
    56
    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2016
    Toto,

    Thank you, i will inform my family CFO to,fire at will.

    Well see what the end of the month brings.

    Cameron
     
  4. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

    Messages:
    15,419
    Likes Received:
    3,842
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2017
    No worries, mind the photo if you go for it. :thumbs:
     
  5. SRman

    SRman Full Member

    Messages:
    895
    Likes Received:
    429
    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2015
    Hattons have several green variations of the class 26 in their bargains at around the £60 mark (plus or minus a few). No blue ones at those prices though.
    Mechanically they are all but identical to the Heljan class 33 (and 27 also) - I have quite a few 33s and all are excellent, powerful and silent runners (well, the ones with sound have to have that turned off to be silent!).

    I would recommend the HEljan locos, and like Toto, I would recommend NOT using Hornby decoders for DCC on them. Personally, I favour ESU LokSound and LokPilot decoders with my Heljan locos, but I have also fitted some with Lenz, Zimo and TCS decoders, all of which are perfectly able to cope with the current draw.

    If you buy a cheap green one and repaint it blue, the windows generally pop out fairly easily to make the job easier. The bodies are held on by four clip points - spread the body behind the cab doors and the chassis should drop out.

    For sound fitting, there is a reasonable amount of room inside, but the fuel and water tanks just clip off and are hollow, so are ideal for fitting speakers into.
     
  6. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

    Messages:
    15,419
    Likes Received:
    3,842
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2017
    I have used Hattons own decoders on them and they work fine too. They are reasonably priced as well. Can't remember if they are eight pin or twenty one pin versions though. :confused:

    Maybe SR man has a better memory than me though. :avatar:
     
  7. cmcan

    cmcan Full Member

    Messages:
    474
    Likes Received:
    56
    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2016
    Hi All

    Thank you for the input.

    26 class br green heljan oo scale diesel has been purchased

    It comes with an 8 pin socket.

    I have been informed the said item will be quarantined until my birthday in the event of an early arrival.

    Cameron
     
  8. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

    Messages:
    15,419
    Likes Received:
    3,842
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2017
    :avatar:

    Lucky man. I'm sure you will enjoy it.:thumbs:
     
  9. SRman

    SRman Full Member

    Messages:
    895
    Likes Received:
    429
    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2015
    Beaten to it, but yes, they are 8-pin. I like that Heljan allow a blank space on the PCB to stick the decoder to as well.
     
  10. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

    Messages:
    15,419
    Likes Received:
    3,842
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2017
    It's these little thoughts that can go a long way.
     
  11. cmcan

    cmcan Full Member

    Messages:
    474
    Likes Received:
    56
    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2016
    Thank you everyone,

    Ill keeps those hints in mind

    Cameron
     
  12. cmcan

    cmcan Full Member

    Messages:
    474
    Likes Received:
    56
    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2016
    My new shiny arrived today.

    I think it is brand new. Or not used very much. I suspect new. Everything was still in plastic bags.

    I was given permisson to test it.

    Wow. I have never owned one before. It was quiet and moved smoothly. A big contrast to my other two engines.

    Looking forward to my birthday when i can commision it on the railway

    Cameron
     
  13. Ron

    Ron Full Member

    Messages:
    3,318
    Likes Received:
    757
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2015
    Great loco Cameron, smooth and quiet and will pull almost anything. Here's mine at Sheringbourne...
    [​IMG]

    Cheers
    Ron
     
  14. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

    Messages:
    15,419
    Likes Received:
    3,842
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2017
    They are solid loco's. As you say Ron they will pull anything and the running qualities are terrific. They really shine at slow speeds.

    Cheers

    Toto
     
  15. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

    Messages:
    9,848
    Likes Received:
    5,902
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2015
    I agree with Ron and Toto, really smooth runners, I used mine all weekend at the Dundee show and it never missed a beat.

    Good purchase, and happy birthday went it comes.

    Paul
     

Share This Page