I feel this needs a meme in text form. At Heljain HQ: Boss: How can we make sure our new O2 gets a better review from SamsTrains? Employee 1:Retool it up to modern standards. Employee 2: Fix the assembly issues. Employee 3: Make it in a grey livery. Employee 1 and 2 are thrown out of the window, Employee 3 is Employee of the Month.
@@SamsTrains I think the main problem is Sam himself, because for example if you turned up the heat in your room, you wouldn't have frosted over cab windows. As for me, I made the mistake of buying the Virgin display model with a motor in it. Because it had a motor I thought I could run it with my other trains, but it wouldn't couple up with anything, because it was for display only. I figured out that the motor was in it to save Heljan money on retooling.
I recently saw another "review" of the Heljan O2's by one of the "Gods" of railway modelling who acknowledged the "issues" with the first Heljan "Tango's" but could "recommend" this later model. Of course, his model was presumably sent free of charge to him so would have been hand-picked and he openly admits to being something of a consultant on Heljan's development team so, in essence, he is really promoting the model rather than reviewing it which is why "Sam's Trains" is the only review worth watching. Well done, Sam, don't stop doing what you do and how you do it.
I know I have the same issues with another reviewer gets so many lent models that the review is just a waste of time. It has got to the point that even if she did do a proper review I wouldn't believe her.
I think you’re doing yourself a disservice only going by Sam, while his reviews are fantastic and one I trust, he is also bizzarely cursed and does have his Angels and Daemons as we all do, as with all reviews, take what they say; compare 2 or 3 and make you’re own mind up, Sam gives you the best look of the model and a great experienced talk through, but as I said… he is somewhat cursed
I enjoy these reviews greatly. It is a guilty pleasure because I will probably never be able to introduce some of these locomotives to my collection, but it makes me feel better that I won’t be being disappointed due to your research. Thanks
Heljan has really shot themselves in the foot with this release - yeah, the livery is nice, but its just the same model more or less as the 2018 one! Awesome video as always sam, hope your well and merry christmas :)
I really appreciate these reviews. Not only do we get a detailed analysis of a particular model. We get a good idea of what to look for on anything we buy.
I’d be more worried about the front of the f ker falling off every twenty minutes. Almost 200 squid an all. I’d be sending it back after using it as TP.
Assuming that the valve gear is free running there is a reasonable chance that the horrible bearingless and badly finished axle housings are responsible for the poor low speed running. It should be a simple job just to machine bearing housings into the chassis and then fit bronze bearings. Perhaps this should have been included in the price because getting a poor reputation for how your products work is not a gateway to commercial success.
Yeah I suppose so - it'll certainly be causing a lot of drag - it would be fun to try and retrofit some bearings and see if there's a difference! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
You would need a milling machine and the skills to use it to attempt this job, and the wheelsets would need to be dismantled to fit the bearings onto the axles, and then get them back together correctly.
The Accurascale J69 is due in soon (the Locomotion Models version says it will start shipping this month, but the normal version might not come till January).
Goodness Im so pleased I cancelled my pre-order of this exact version - thanks Sam for the insight. I had a feeling it was a mistake in thinking it was going to be worth the purchase - dodged a bullet.cheers Shaun
@azuma892 yeah, I agree, they are always entertaining, however I'd argue a bachmann usa steam loco with sam ripping up the 'voucher for a walthers comprehensive guide' is an entertaining watch too!
Thanks for the video Sam. Sorry to say, Heljan really need to get their act together. On my new model, the cab was not only loose but unable to close the gap to the warped running plate under the cab sides. There is also a gap on the underside of the connection between smoke box and boiler. The bumpy ride was sorted by removing some glue from one of the tender wheels, however the rear most tender wheels are intermittent runners. I closed the gap between tender and loco as 30" min radius on layout but had derailments. Not the contact between them but as you pointed out not eough flexibility in the vertical for the draw bar. Absolute rubbish that the tender and loco cannot be electrically disconnected without removing the tender body and perhaps snipping wires? The coupling rods and valve gear is too dark with the over blackening = not realistic. Finally the coal load might be better than the previous mode, however some of the edges seem to defy gravity and it would need some rectification. Might send it back for a refund based on not up to expectations considering all of the hype
I think so too - just crazy that they keep getting away with models like this - truly the worst of the manufacturers! So sorry to hear about the issues you had - sorry, but not surprised! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
The wartime GNR livery looks pretty good and unique, but I don’t think it makes the model worth it. I considered getting one, but £186 is way too much. Can’t wait to see whether Hornby or Rapido’s J13 is better so I can get one of them instead.
Yeah that's right - it's a nice livery, but plenty of locos have that! Yep far too much for what this is - I'd wait for the sales! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Superglue and probably other types mist clear plastic very badly and I think that's what happened here. Humbrol make a specific type of adhesive that is clear plastic friendly but it looks like they messed up in the factory.
*sigh* between this and the "joyful" christmas train from Bachmann last time I sincerely hope you get ONE good review in before Christmas. Anyways, thank you for your continuing reviews. It's sad that MAntrua/Tyco in the 1950's to 1970's in the US had bearings and 5 pole open motors as their standard THEN...when i was a boy. Cheap and Nasty won't win you any friends...if it LOOKS good but runs rubbish, all youve gotten is a paper weight or roundhouse scenic infill.....
Your right Sam , You do know what your talking about, after all these engines cost money, I think a lot of them are well over priced , why is it that a manufacturers can't get a basic drive system to work properly after all these guys have been building these for years , it's about time they got it right, I'm tempted to start a model railway, but it's so exspensive . great videos
Don't let this put you off Model Railways, there a tons of affordable second hand models on eBay. A complete setup can be obtained for less than this Loco alone. 😊
Was considering this, but went with the Jones Goods instead. The livery looks good, but as Sam pointed out, "lipstick on a Pig". Probably a better choice. 😉
Great review even if the loco disappoints. Heljan really must have a screw loose if they'd put frosted glass in a wobbly engine cab with a floppy running plate.
I’ve been working on adding a postwar air whistle to a Lionel tender and learning the hard way “when in doubt, add more center rail pickups and pray for the power of the common ground”
Shame on Heljan what on earth is going on. Sam i think you have been fair as you possibly can with model . great video thank you .have a great Christmas.
Bizarre how Heljan seem to repeatedly miss the mark whilst charging premium prices. On their new Class 26 their samples have printed nose doors (and the print seems to be upside down....) and Heljan confirmed that the printed doors will be on the production models. Now thats fine if youre going to charge £100 or under, but their pre-order prices start at £177 from Rails. I genuinely dont understand how they are able to keep making such poor decisions when alot of modellers repeatedly abstain from buying models they want, due to quality issues. I was going to buy a 13xx - best avoided....then a Ruston & Hornsby PWM - loads of reported problems. Even when prices of the PWM were cut from £170 to £135, it was a bad model that was considerably more expensive than a Hornby Peckett W4 or a Dapol Hawthorne, two truly excellent models. They really need to either up their game or slash their prices to Railroad levels. Baffling.
Sam. You must be making the manufactures quake in their boots. I have seen how reviews on YT for guitars drive down prices and drive up quality. Nowhere to hide! Good work sir!
seeing the tender wheels seize and skid when trying to couple at around 43:30 (especially after all the derailment issues) is absolutely hysterical to me for something this expensive. edit: looks like the tender wheels were skidding even when pulling a load
I know little about these models (but have always loved trains, steam engines etc) I love this channel. For my uneducated eyes... I like this loco. Shame I'm keen on T or Z scale.
You could use pink thread lock instead of glue on the screw. I think pink is one of the milder "grips". A mild thread lock will allow you to take the screw out again.
So if you want one, you wait for the sales and then buy yourself a stepped screw for the front pony and an extra long stepped screw for the tender so the drawbar can move up and down. Surprisingly, I have had to do the same on a couple of Hornby models for the tender drawbar screw, where they decided to shorten it from the previous model.
Hi Sam, late to the show, but glad I watched it. Regarding the coal load in the tender, MTH and Broadway Limited American steam locomotives have been doing that for at least 10 years. Also, on your O2, I noticed that the boiler bands don't go under the boiler, something that my Hornby BR Standard 2MT 2-6-0 does have.
Hello Sam! Finally got the chance to catch a video on time! With a new Cary body, my Hobbytown E-unit is up to 1036 grams now, and with no weight or mechanism (being rebuilt) my Varney 2-8-2 is still at 550 grams, so I wouldn't be satisfied with the mere 475 grams of the O2, give it a metal body Heljan. I also think that valve gear should be left in polished condition, because its easy to blacken, but very hard to remove blackening for more realistic weathering, and you missed that the boiler banding doesn't continue on the underside the boiler! Thanks as always Sam!
Hi Sam, good review, i wonder if the driver and fireman had to do a 'tango' in that narrow cab to work the locomotive. I think its a nice looking locomotive at any kind of distance and i love to see the eight coupled wheels in motion.
Wait a minute did they not make the full walshartes (most likley spelt wrong) not move as I can see the little bit at the top is always in the same place!
Whilst I haven't really yet ran this with any load, I have ran it in on the rolling road today and given it a brief run around on the layout, so I can't comment on whether or not the front pony comes off during extended running. Mine seems to run fine even on the radius two curves, though it does not like radius two curves on an 2% incline. Haven't seen a whole lot of slowing down other than dodgy areas of my layout where everything does slow down, so it's not the models fault there. Noticed that the back two axles on the tender and especially the last axle don't seem to turn very well at all when running, even after applying a bit of lubricant. For how heavy the model is it can't pull 3 relatively light/free running coaches up an s-curved radius two incline at half speed, and I don't think the tender is helping that. Seems a bit too much extra weight in it. Can confirm the vac pipe at the front does need trimming if you want to use the front nem otherwise it derails the front pony, again on tighter curves. Otherwise, the models fine. It's certainly not the greatest ever, and would have liked it to work on radius two curves better. Will agree it's not worth the £186 though. Cheers
It should be easy to check - if the screw is tight and the pony can still swing, then you're in business! Yes I've noticed the same thing with the tender wheels looking at my footage - I think you might be having the same issue I was, whereby the tender wheels are taking weight from the loco - it's the shoddy drawbar design - see if you can bend the drawbar to make sure the tender isn't supporting the weight of the loco! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
There is a lot of binding in the drivers, no doubt. I can’t remember if you said the gauge was a little wide or not, but that definitely cause the binding, and are the wheels straight on the axils? This would explain the “rabbiting” the motor almost seems to be a 3 pole by the cogging. The pilot wheels should have been mounted with a shouldered screw, that would have allowed movement. Poor quality all around.
That draw bar affecting the preference of the loco is the reason why I don't like models with screwed on or otherwise permanent draw bars. I'm very content with it being a pin that goes into a pocket. No issues with that.
It's Heljan... like Hobbytrade, they make special models that many of the big players only make limited or never wanna touch. Their houses are absolutely fine, but the market of making Model Trains, first Danish material and later from around Europe is low detailed, but it's fun to have and molds are expensive
Hi Sam! I didn’t know Heljan made an O2 since ( correct me if I am wrong) I saw Hornby’s O2 looming around on eBay recently. All the same amazing review! 👍🏾
Let’s see how many people comment that this is Dudley lol Also I should say that I’m a big fan of him btw, one of the best fan characters in a long time.
I've been looking forward to this. I'm about to start this review but I saw high praise given to this loco's new release without any details given about the mechanism. I really wanted one in grey or lined red and black but didn't want to buy a model that wasn't made as well as it looked. Hope Heljan learned from their past failures.
@SamsTrains You've done me a favor Sam. I hate how much I really wanted to like this. I really like the dual flywheels and how much weight sits above those driving wheels but no wheel bearings is a no go for me, especially above £125. I have a Bachmann retoolled Mainline 8750 class whose weight and detail are great but is partially let down by mediocre performance by a lack of wheel bearings. Not about to pay anywhere near the price of these just to end up with buyer's remorse
Sorry it ended up being a mixed bag, Sam, was really looking forward to getting one in a sale… Far as LNER freight locos go, perhaps I’m better off with the likes of the J15, the O4, maybe even a Thompson O1. Thanks you for the review anyway, Sam. Cheers.
@@user-wy1ps9bj1i Oh I have a J27 that I’m modding for James, but I’m getting another one to turn back to a Great Central 9J. Since a green D11 is hard to find at the moment, I’m settling for a 9J since they pulled passengers as well, even expresses. But I’ll have to look into the Q6, thanks for the suggestion!! ❤️
@@user-wy1ps9bj1i Yes they do, but it’s also hard to find, I think it was an exclusive to their website. I think I’m better off getting an LNER/BR version and just swap road name and numbers while adding lining. I think the road number was 316, and since I don’t want to make a knockoff, I found a picture for reference, No. 1050.
Try setting the back to backs with a gauge For the driving wheel see if that makes a difference? , I have a heljan class 17 which I got for Christmas in 2010, put a chip in it and it runs like a dream and never had to take it apart ever, just cleaned the wheels, it’s utter madness how much there charging for that and Enjoyed the review!
Mine was very poor slow speed runner also, it goes slow until one point in the rotation when it speeds up for a second on every rotation. I thought it was just a poorly constructed one but I see yours is the same Sam. I sent mine back asking for a replacement but now I fear they will all run the same. I didn't realise it had no bearrings, what were Heljian thinking? I think they should recall all the 02 models and fit proper bearings in them for customers. Otherwise they will never run correctly.
Ahh sorry to hear that - worth a second try I suppose - but two strikes and they're out... get a refund if the replacement isn't better! I don't know what they were thinking... my conclusion is that they probably weren't! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains I have the Hornby O1 and that runs fine. I was really looking forward to this model and it does look so good. I wonder how difficult or expensive it would be to have bearrings fitted? Thanks for answering Sam. Are you going to keep your one? Repair it yourself? I guess you have the skills to fit bearrings. Would make an excellent video= correcting a poorly built Heljian model- doing the manufacturers job for them- show them how it's done and maybe they will recall all the models and fit bearrings and return them as they should be. For £186 I expected bearrings at a minimum.
@@amp9930It’s the least they should do. People expect better when they wait years for the release ppl don’t mind paying premium when that is reflected in the end product. So much of this seems very half assed, where is the quality control in innovation in the design?
@@Knightscastle54 Yeah- I think it's just lack of any quality control. It's like the designers of the models don't actually run the models to test them and compare against other manufacturers. It's mind boggling when you think about it. My layout is a slow speed shunting yard so if the model is useless and lumpy at slow speed it's no use. I think everyone should send their models back to Heljian and demand a recall for fitted bearings.
Sam now at great level! Model is brilliant and People like it but in a different way. Tiny errors will hopefully corrected in time.Think a relaunch would be even better in weathered Black. This grey white livery is a non starter
The coal load is a good idea and a bonus will be the degree of random appearance between locos, but it needs to be done accurately - to me, it doesn't resemble a loose coal load so much as it does a black, homemade flapjack; coal just doesn't lie like that.
I recieved a second hand ebay Hornby Railroad 2-4-0 castle in the post today for Xmas that cost me less than £40. It runs way better than this even with it's fewer wheels and pickups. That's saying something...
@@dj02242 all Sam has to do is make one video to review most Heljen locos saying Heljen are craptasic models do not buy them until they get their act together simples
I have a question for you Sam. I was thinking about getting the Bachmann Edward at some point, and I know about the pickup problems, what did you do to adjust them?
Reading the title of the video, I hoped it would be worse than that for a great sarcastic and dark humor episode! If it wasn't that expensive, it could have been considered okay-ish. But no one with a right mind would throw 200 bucks on this toy-grade quality model... The slow downs are also probably caused by the bearings, or lack of thereof. I'm pretty sure that the axles gets wedged at an angle in their slots in thigh corners. The motor is pretty good quality because it can overcome this massive drag. By the way, you've not tried the flywheel effect, and I won't be surprised if there is not any of it at all because of the crappy design of the axle housings.
I think having four rigid axles is always going to make running on tight curves prone to slowing down, which is why it is so undergauge. The 9F has a flangeless centre axle for this reason.
I opted for the photographic grey as well, lovely livery, but I must admit to being disappointed that the lining is only on the loco body. No idea if that is prototypical, but the tender does look odd without the same lining.
I've got an idea Sam. There should be a way for viewers to see the full leaderboard for the entire year instead of just seeing one page at the end of every review
My interests in British modelling are mainly TT:120. To be honest, I'm quite relieved that Heljan abandoned their TT class 31. They just seem to be so hit and miss. I really like the 'new' scale but I kind of hope that a more competent manufacturer jumps on board with Hornby.
Bit of a shame this. Does look smart, nice livery and the O2s themselves are very fine locos. But some of the issues and what I've seen on forums are a bit YIKES. Will likely get one at some point as a fan of the real thing, no doubt they will get discounted as well. Cheers for the review Sam, Merry Christmas!
Well darn. I was looking to buy this because I loved the lined black LNER version with the number on the tender. But those bearings are a turn off, the performance suffers and worst of all is I retro fit all my models with Kadee couplings so that nem pocket at the wrong height kills it for me. Looks like I’m sticking with Hornby, Rapido and Oxford Rail
Most Railway Modellers: Why are Heljan so bad? Sam's Trains: Let me explain... Honestly I have actively been put off buying any Heljan locomotive unless its one of their older Class 33s, of which I have three that all work brilliantly.
No way you decided to put yourself through the waterboard torture that is the Tango again Sam… On a separate note, will you be reviewing any version of the Rapido Jones goods?
haha I guess I thought I'd do it for old time's sake - that loco was a big part of the channel once upon a time haha! Yes Jones goods review on the way soon! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I remember watching the last Tango review when it came out, hard to believe it's been six years. I do agree the new model looks beautiful but with that mechanism and performance, and almost every other Heljan review I've seen between the first review and this it's baffling to me that the company is still in business.
I greatly appreciate your reviews. Your style and candor resonate my with my thoughts. I collected American prototypes for the most part but occasionally purchase British prototypes and was considering this model. I will be skipping this one.
People expect better when they wait years for the release ppl don’t mind paying premium when that is reflected in the end product. So much of this seems very half assed where is the quality control in innovation in the design. The non metal running plate is unforgivable the lack if bearings also. I hope the official reviews by the press give them their due. I also purchased was prepared to overlook some aspects though will probably send back although I fear they have to return and repair the whole batch. Nobody wants to see Heljan fail however why they couldn’t sort out these issues from day one of design before production.
It will be interesting to compare this with the dapol 28xx, i think its clear who would win. I'll stick with my Jones Goods for that price and be happy. Will you spot what ive noticed with mine, cant wait to see. I wont mention it till youve done your review.
@@SamsTrains it's not a rivet counter issue, I like the buffers. You mentioned a similar issue on another loco from another manufacturer earlier this year and I suspect is only an issue on certain versions. That's all I'm saying.
Hi Sam, better perhaps, but within 17 minutes we decided that any sensible thinking customer would return this tat pronto. Loose cabin, glazing bad, warped running plate... Just not acceptable in a million years really. And oh my..., 2018 actually does feel as yesterday..., and it's almost 2025... Time just flashes by... 🤒
Thanks Linda - yeah very true. I'm insane so I'm keeping it, to anyone else I'd just recommend getting the money back... just a joke! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I remember watching your original Heljan O2 review. Is it really six years already?! We were on holiday at the time and I watched it on a hotel toilet. 😂
I tend to by sets of loco's that represent the big 4 and BR. I was waiting for your review of this to see if this would be a good representation for the LNER. After this though, I'll stick with Robinson 04.
All that friction between the axles and axle mounts? Must be taking its toll there, Sam, me lad. But what a strange looking train anyhow. Good insight for maybe a novice collector who may have been set on buying one of these - now you know.
Will you review the Rapido's New Highland Railways Jones Goods. If so, I would suggest you buy the HR yellow (1960s condition) from Rails of Sheffield.
As you being a reviewer, I completely understand pointing out minor issues and such that most casual people wouldn't notice, but what got me is the front pony. That is actually ridiculous, especially for $238 in the states, DISCOUNTED.
Well, the flimsy running plates and the bathroom glass in the viewing shield alone would make me send it back but add in the front bogie falling off that is strike three and you are out of here. Three years down the line if they come out with another one, I'll remind you not to get it. Curiosity got you into this locomotive and reality hit hard. Fool me once shame on you! Enough said. Great review, Jersey Bill
Nearly an hour?! That must be a new record for your reviews 😂 too bad this model is still so poor though, if it was actually decent I’d pick one up since that GNR Grey looks lovely!
I feel this needs a meme in text form.
At Heljain HQ:
Boss: How can we make sure our new O2 gets a better review from SamsTrains?
Employee 1:Retool it up to modern standards.
Employee 2: Fix the assembly issues.
Employee 3: Make it in a grey livery.
Employee 1 and 2 are thrown out of the window, Employee 3 is Employee of the Month.
hahaha very much so!!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Pleasure as always, have a good one.
Employeee 4,who just watched 1 and 2 get thrown out: uhh..make it more expensive!
@@SamsTrains I think the main problem is Sam himself, because for example if you turned up the heat in your room, you wouldn't have frosted over cab windows. As for me, I made the mistake of buying the Virgin display model with a motor in it. Because it had a motor I thought I could run it with my other trains, but it wouldn't couple up with anything, because it was for display only. I figured out that the motor was in it to save Heljan money on retooling.
I recently saw another "review" of the Heljan O2's by one of the "Gods" of railway modelling who acknowledged the "issues" with the first Heljan "Tango's" but could "recommend" this later model. Of course, his model was presumably sent free of charge to him so would have been hand-picked and he openly admits to being something of a consultant on Heljan's development team so, in essence, he is really promoting the model rather than reviewing it which is why "Sam's Trains" is the only review worth watching. Well done, Sam, don't stop doing what you do and how you do it.
I know I have the same issues with another reviewer gets so many lent models that the review is just a waste of time. It has got to the point that even if she did do a proper review I wouldn't believe her.
I'm a Yank and even I think I know whom that would be !!
@@MarkInLAClue: “She”
@@MarkInLAwear yard
I think you’re doing yourself a disservice only going by Sam, while his reviews are fantastic and one I trust, he is also bizzarely cursed and does have his Angels and Daemons as we all do, as with all reviews, take what they say; compare 2 or 3 and make you’re own mind up, Sam gives you the best look of the model and a great experienced talk through, but as I said… he is somewhat cursed
I enjoy these reviews greatly. It is a guilty pleasure because I will probably never be able to introduce some of these locomotives to my collection, but it makes me feel better that I won’t be being disappointed due to your research. Thanks
Ahh that's lovely to hear - feel free to experience these models through me any time, haha!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Heljan has really shot themselves in the foot with this release - yeah, the livery is nice, but its just the same model more or less as the 2018 one! Awesome video as always sam, hope your well and merry christmas :)
Yep - don't know who they're kidding with prices like that for a model of this quality, but I can feel a sale coming on!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I really appreciate these reviews. Not only do we get a detailed analysis of a particular model. We get a good idea of what to look for on anything we buy.
Woah. A 58 minute long review...
haha yeah it's a long one... no idea how it got that long!!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
kyle larson pfp W
15:24 When your driver wants privacy while he's working
hahaha exactly!!
If the loco is ex-works then the smoke box would still be glossy/statin
Haha true! Wonder if the non-grey versions are Matt?
@@SamsTrains It's not photographic grey Sam, it's a livery GNR actually used on freight locos. No reason why it would be ex-works.
I’d be more worried about the front of the f ker falling off every twenty minutes. Almost 200 squid an all. I’d be sending it back after using it as TP.
Assuming that the valve gear is free running there is a reasonable chance that the horrible bearingless and badly finished axle housings are responsible for the poor low speed running. It should be a simple job just to machine bearing housings into the chassis and then fit bronze bearings. Perhaps this should have been included in the price because getting a poor reputation for how your products work is not a gateway to commercial success.
Yeah I suppose so - it'll certainly be causing a lot of drag - it would be fun to try and retrofit some bearings and see if there's a difference!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
You would need a milling machine and the skills to use it to attempt this job, and the wheelsets would need to be dismantled to fit the bearings onto the axles, and then get them back together correctly.
@@kaypac6350 Agreed, but I was really referring to this being done by the manufacturer.
Can we expect the Rapido Jones Goods and Hornby Locomotion reviews to come out this year before your annual winter break? :)
I'm doing my best! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
The Accurascale J69 is due in soon (the Locomotion Models version says it will start shipping this month, but the normal version might not come till January).
Goodness Im so pleased I cancelled my pre-order of this exact version - thanks Sam for the insight. I had a feeling it was a mistake in thinking it was going to be worth the purchase - dodged a bullet.cheers Shaun
Ahh, 58 minutes of sams trains is a godsend!
And with a Heljan loco too! Heljan reviews are always the most entertaining, sometimes for all the wrong reasons. 😝
@azuma892 yeah, I agree, they are always entertaining, however I'd argue a bachmann usa steam loco with sam ripping up the 'voucher for a walthers comprehensive guide' is an entertaining watch too!
hahaha hopefully you find this entertaining too!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Thanks for the video Sam. Sorry to say, Heljan really need to get their act together. On my new model, the cab was not only loose but unable to close the gap to the warped running plate under the cab sides. There is also a gap on the underside of the connection between smoke box and boiler.
The bumpy ride was sorted by removing some glue from one of the tender wheels, however the rear most tender wheels are intermittent runners.
I closed the gap between tender and loco as 30" min radius on layout but had derailments. Not the contact between them but as you pointed out not eough flexibility in the vertical for the draw bar.
Absolute rubbish that the tender and loco cannot be electrically disconnected without removing the tender body and perhaps snipping wires?
The coupling rods and valve gear is too dark with the over blackening = not realistic.
Finally the coal load might be better than the previous mode, however some of the edges seem to defy gravity and it would need some rectification.
Might send it back for a refund based on not up to expectations considering all of the hype
I think so too - just crazy that they keep getting away with models like this - truly the worst of the manufacturers! So sorry to hear about the issues you had - sorry, but not surprised!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
The one thing Heljan consistently does well is ensure that Sam's reviews of their products will be entertaining!
The wartime GNR livery looks pretty good and unique, but I don’t think it makes the model worth it. I considered getting one, but £186 is way too much. Can’t wait to see whether Hornby or Rapido’s J13 is better so I can get one of them instead.
Yeah that's right - it's a nice livery, but plenty of locos have that! Yep far too much for what this is - I'd wait for the sales!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Superglue and probably other types mist clear plastic very badly and I think that's what happened here. Humbrol make a specific type of adhesive that is clear plastic friendly but it looks like they messed up in the factory.
*sigh* between this and the "joyful" christmas train from Bachmann last time I sincerely hope you get ONE good review in before Christmas. Anyways, thank you for your continuing reviews. It's sad that MAntrua/Tyco in the 1950's to 1970's in the US had bearings and 5 pole open motors as their standard THEN...when i was a boy. Cheap and Nasty won't win you any friends...if it LOOKS good but runs rubbish, all youve gotten is a paper weight or roundhouse scenic infill.....
Your right Sam , You do know what your talking about, after all these engines cost money, I think a lot of them are well over priced , why is it that a manufacturers can't get a basic drive system to work properly after all these guys have been building these for years , it's about time they got it right, I'm tempted to start a model railway, but it's so exspensive . great videos
Thanks mate - yeah this one's very overpriced. Can't understand how they couldn't have done better for that much money!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Don't let this put you off Model Railways, there a tons of affordable second hand models on eBay. A complete setup can be obtained for less than this Loco alone. 😊
Was considering this, but went with the Jones Goods instead. The livery looks good, but as Sam pointed out, "lipstick on a Pig".
Probably a better choice. 😉
Great review even if the loco disappoints. Heljan really must have a screw loose if they'd put frosted glass in a wobbly engine cab with a floppy running plate.
Lol
You know something's bout to go down if Sam's review is almost an hour long
haha yep - can't believe how long this one was!!
I’ve been working on adding a postwar air whistle to a Lionel tender and learning the hard way “when in doubt, add more center rail pickups and pray for the power of the common ground”
Frosted glass...obviously for when the crew need to have a wee!
haha I didn't think of that!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Shame on Heljan what on earth is going on. Sam i think you have been fair as you possibly can with model . great video thank you .have a great Christmas.
I tried to be fair... but as usual, it just becomes irritating and depressing!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Bizarre how Heljan seem to repeatedly miss the mark whilst charging premium prices.
On their new Class 26 their samples have printed nose doors (and the print seems to be upside down....) and Heljan confirmed that the printed doors will be on the production models. Now thats fine if youre going to charge £100 or under, but their pre-order prices start at £177 from Rails.
I genuinely dont understand how they are able to keep making such poor decisions when alot of modellers repeatedly abstain from buying models they want, due to quality issues. I was going to buy a 13xx - best avoided....then a Ruston & Hornsby PWM - loads of reported problems. Even when prices of the PWM were cut from £170 to £135, it was a bad model that was considerably more expensive than a Hornby Peckett W4 or a Dapol Hawthorne, two truly excellent models.
They really need to either up their game or slash their prices to Railroad levels. Baffling.
The reason Heljan are still in business is because Sam's Trains always buys one of each and sometimes two🤣
@@darreno9874 Lmao
Sam. You must be making the manufactures quake in their boots. I have seen how reviews on YT for guitars drive down prices and drive up quality. Nowhere to hide! Good work sir!
seeing the tender wheels seize and skid when trying to couple at around 43:30 (especially after all the derailment issues) is absolutely hysterical to me for something this expensive.
edit: looks like the tender wheels were skidding even when pulling a load
haha yeah I didn't even notice that - it's crazy isn't it?
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I find myself in the frustrating situation where I REALLY like the Tango, I want one for my collection, but the models on the market are all garbage.
I know little about these models (but have always loved trains, steam engines etc) I love this channel.
For my uneducated eyes... I like this loco.
Shame I'm keen on T or Z scale.
You could use pink thread lock instead of glue on the screw. I think pink is one of the milder "grips". A mild thread lock will allow you to take the screw out again.
So if you want one, you wait for the sales and then buy yourself a stepped screw for the front pony and an extra long stepped screw for the tender so the drawbar can move up and down. Surprisingly, I have had to do the same on a couple of Hornby models for the tender drawbar screw, where they decided to shorten it from the previous model.
Now whenever I look at this engine, the first thing I think of is Dudley the Vagrant Engine.
Hi Sam, late to the show, but glad I watched it. Regarding the coal load in the tender, MTH and Broadway Limited American steam locomotives have been doing that for at least 10 years. Also, on your O2, I noticed that the boiler bands don't go under the boiler, something that my Hornby BR Standard 2MT 2-6-0 does have.
Hello Sam! Finally got the chance to catch a video on time! With a new Cary body, my Hobbytown E-unit is up to 1036 grams now, and with no weight or mechanism (being rebuilt) my Varney 2-8-2 is still at 550 grams, so I wouldn't be satisfied with the mere 475 grams of the O2, give it a metal body Heljan. I also think that valve gear should be left in polished condition, because its easy to blacken, but very hard to remove blackening for more realistic weathering, and you missed that the boiler banding doesn't continue on the underside the boiler! Thanks as always Sam!
Awesome! Thanks for checking it out - blimey that thing sounds like an absolute beast, great work on that!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Say Sam, maybe instead of glue, why not use some thread locker? That stuff is usually meant for computers but it helps keep screws from coming loose!
Sam, is it a model railroading don't to put kadee couplers on British model trains?
Awesome video Sam
Thanks Brian!
@SamsTrains you're welcome Sam
Hi Sam, good review, i wonder if the driver and fireman had to do a 'tango' in that narrow cab to work the locomotive. I think its a nice looking locomotive at any kind of distance and i love to see the eight coupled wheels in motion.
haha maybe that's why! Yep the 8 wheels look fantastic don't they!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Absolutely ridiculous that Heljan did not update these locos at all really 😠
i must admit this I don't hate the model it looks great in grey it reminds me of the W1 but the performance needs more work
Great Video Sam Keep It Up
Wait a minute did they not make the full walshartes (most likley spelt wrong) not move as I can see the little bit at the top is always in the same place!
Whilst I haven't really yet ran this with any load, I have ran it in on the rolling road today and given it a brief run around on the layout, so I can't comment on whether or not the front pony comes off during extended running.
Mine seems to run fine even on the radius two curves, though it does not like radius two curves on an 2% incline.
Haven't seen a whole lot of slowing down other than dodgy areas of my layout where everything does slow down, so it's not the models fault there.
Noticed that the back two axles on the tender and especially the last axle don't seem to turn very well at all when running, even after applying a bit of lubricant.
For how heavy the model is it can't pull 3 relatively light/free running coaches up an s-curved radius two incline at half speed, and I don't think the tender is helping that. Seems a bit too much extra weight in it.
Can confirm the vac pipe at the front does need trimming if you want to use the front nem otherwise it derails the front pony, again on tighter curves.
Otherwise, the models fine. It's certainly not the greatest ever, and would have liked it to work on radius two curves better. Will agree it's not worth the £186 though.
Cheers
It should be easy to check - if the screw is tight and the pony can still swing, then you're in business! Yes I've noticed the same thing with the tender wheels looking at my footage - I think you might be having the same issue I was, whereby the tender wheels are taking weight from the loco - it's the shoddy drawbar design - see if you can bend the drawbar to make sure the tender isn't supporting the weight of the loco!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
There is a lot of binding in the drivers, no doubt. I can’t remember if you said the gauge was a little wide or not, but that definitely cause the binding, and are the wheels straight on the axils? This would explain the “rabbiting” the motor almost seems to be a 3 pole by the cogging. The pilot wheels should have been mounted with a shouldered screw, that would have allowed movement. Poor quality all around.
Props for your undying hope that HellJam may one day produce a decent loco when the rest of us have long given up on them..
That draw bar affecting the preference of the loco is the reason why I don't like models with screwed on or otherwise permanent draw bars. I'm very content with it being a pin that goes into a pocket. No issues with that.
Yeah I get that - but screws are fine as long as the drawbar is free to move around plenty!
It's Heljan... like Hobbytrade, they make special models that many of the big players only make limited or never wanna touch. Their houses are absolutely fine, but the market of making Model Trains, first Danish material and later from around Europe is low detailed, but it's fun to have and molds are expensive
Hi Sam! I didn’t know Heljan made an O2 since ( correct me if I am wrong) I saw Hornby’s O2 looming around on eBay recently.
All the same amazing review! 👍🏾
Hornby loco is an O1
@ thanks for the info,I just looked it up 👍🏾
Let’s see how many people comment that this is Dudley lol
Also I should say that I’m a big fan of him btw, one of the best fan characters in a long time.
Ooh is this Dudley?? That's cool!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I've been looking forward to this. I'm about to start this review but I saw high praise given to this loco's new release without any details given about the mechanism. I really wanted one in grey or lined red and black but didn't want to buy a model that wasn't made as well as it looked. Hope Heljan learned from their past failures.
haha that's always the way - high praise but not backed up with the thorough analysis!! Not a great mech in this one!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@SamsTrains You've done me a favor Sam. I hate how much I really wanted to like this. I really like the dual flywheels and how much weight sits above those driving wheels but no wheel bearings is a no go for me, especially above £125.
I have a Bachmann retoolled Mainline 8750 class whose weight and detail are great but is partially let down by mediocre performance by a lack of wheel bearings. Not about to pay anywhere near the price of these just to end up with buyer's remorse
Sorry it ended up being a mixed bag, Sam, was really looking forward to getting one in a sale…
Far as LNER freight locos go, perhaps I’m better off with the likes of the J15, the O4, maybe even a Thompson O1.
Thanks you for the review anyway, Sam. Cheers.
haha well maybe I could recommend it in a sale, but that's about all!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Don't forget the q6, available pretty cheap second hand. J27 as well
@@user-wy1ps9bj1i Oh I have a J27 that I’m modding for James, but I’m getting another one to turn back to a Great Central 9J.
Since a green D11 is hard to find at the moment, I’m settling for a 9J since they pulled passengers as well, even expresses.
But I’ll have to look into the Q6, thanks for the suggestion!! ❤️
@@David_Mattox bachmann do a 9j (lner j11) it's a great model
@@user-wy1ps9bj1i Yes they do, but it’s also hard to find, I think it was an exclusive to their website.
I think I’m better off getting an LNER/BR version and just swap road name and numbers while adding lining.
I think the road number was 316, and since I don’t want to make a knockoff, I found a picture for reference, No. 1050.
Try setting the back to backs with a gauge For the driving wheel see if that makes a difference? , I have a heljan class 17 which I got for Christmas in 2010, put a chip in it and it runs like a dream and never had to take it apart ever, just cleaned the wheels, it’s utter madness how much there charging for that and Enjoyed the review!
Mine was very poor slow speed runner also, it goes slow until one point in the rotation when it speeds up for a second on every rotation. I thought it was just a poorly constructed one but I see yours is the same Sam. I sent mine back asking for a replacement but now I fear they will all run the same. I didn't realise it had no bearrings, what were Heljian thinking? I think they should recall all the 02 models and fit proper bearings in them for customers. Otherwise they will never run correctly.
Ahh sorry to hear that - worth a second try I suppose - but two strikes and they're out... get a refund if the replacement isn't better! I don't know what they were thinking... my conclusion is that they probably weren't!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains I have the Hornby O1 and that runs fine. I was really looking forward to this model and it does look so good. I wonder how difficult or expensive it would be to have bearrings fitted? Thanks for answering Sam. Are you going to keep your one? Repair it yourself? I guess you have the skills to fit bearrings. Would make an excellent video= correcting a poorly built Heljian model- doing the manufacturers job for them- show them how it's done and maybe they will recall all the models and fit bearrings and return them as they should be. For £186 I expected bearrings at a minimum.
@@amp9930It’s the least they should do. People expect better when they wait years for the release ppl don’t mind paying premium when that is reflected in the end product. So much of this seems very half assed, where is the quality control in innovation in the design?
@@Knightscastle54 Yeah- I think it's just lack of any quality control. It's like the designers of the models don't actually run the models to test them and compare against other manufacturers. It's mind boggling when you think about it. My layout is a slow speed shunting yard so if the model is useless and lumpy at slow speed it's no use. I think everyone should send their models back to Heljian and demand a recall for fitted bearings.
Sam now at great level! Model is brilliant and People like it but in a different way. Tiny errors will hopefully corrected in time.Think a relaunch would be even better in weathered Black. This grey white livery is a non starter
The coal load is a good idea and a bonus will be the degree of random appearance between locos, but it needs to be done accurately - to me, it doesn't resemble a loose coal load so much as it does a black, homemade flapjack; coal just doesn't lie like that.
I recieved a second hand ebay Hornby Railroad 2-4-0 castle in the post today for Xmas that cost me less than £40. It runs way better than this even with it's fewer wheels and pickups. That's saying something...
I don't understand why you keep buying Heljan locos I have not seen one decent loco from them they are mostly if not all of them are craptastic
Heljan did a nice litra my,mx and my1200 series Else they have been expensive or failures at least for 3rail
For the sake of review ig
@@dj02242 all Sam has to do is make one video to review most Heljen locos saying Heljen are craptasic models do not buy them until they get their act together simples
Great video! Are you planning on doing a video on the Rapido Jones Goods that recently came out?
Thanks so much! Yes I am :D
I have a question for you Sam.
I was thinking about getting the Bachmann Edward at some point, and I know about the pickup problems, what did you do to adjust them?
I like hell-jan for some strange reason. They make unusual loco's that other manfactures don't touch.
Yep, and then they cock them up so that we wish the other manufacturers had touched them!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Matt Smokebox paint is only a recent occurrence if I remember correctly, as gloss high temp paint seems to be hard to come by now.
Damn it, this train looks fantastic.
Reading the title of the video, I hoped it would be worse than that for a great sarcastic and dark humor episode!
If it wasn't that expensive, it could have been considered okay-ish. But no one with a right mind would throw 200 bucks on this toy-grade quality model...
The slow downs are also probably caused by the bearings, or lack of thereof. I'm pretty sure that the axles gets wedged at an angle in their slots in thigh corners. The motor is pretty good quality because it can overcome this massive drag.
By the way, you've not tried the flywheel effect, and I won't be surprised if there is not any of it at all because of the crappy design of the axle housings.
I think having four rigid axles is always going to make running on tight curves prone to slowing down, which is why it is so undergauge. The 9F has a flangeless centre axle for this reason.
That’s why I showed the Hornby 2800 doing the same test, and sure enough it ran perfectly!
I opted for the photographic grey as well, lovely livery, but I must admit to being disappointed that the lining is only on the loco body. No idea if that is prototypical, but the tender does look odd without the same lining.
I LOVE the Livery it looks amazing and i wonder how the engine would look like in the snow
The livery is very very cool!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I can't help but notice the rear tender wheel keeps stopping - is there a weight issue with the tender, or is it just not sat correctly?
I'm really surprised that heljan haven't retooled this model from the ground up. But hey, that's heljan for you ;)
Cheers Jasper & Willow
Me too - I don't understand why they didn't!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I've got an idea Sam. There should be a way for viewers to see the full leaderboard for the entire year instead of just seeing one page at the end of every review
My interests in British modelling are mainly TT:120. To be honest, I'm quite relieved that Heljan abandoned their TT class 31. They just seem to be so hit and miss. I really like the 'new' scale but I kind of hope that a more competent manufacturer jumps on board with Hornby.
Bit of a shame this. Does look smart, nice livery and the O2s themselves are very fine locos. But some of the issues and what I've seen on forums are a bit YIKES. Will likely get one at some point as a fan of the real thing, no doubt they will get discounted as well. Cheers for the review Sam, Merry Christmas!
Well darn. I was looking to buy this because I loved the lined black LNER version with the number on the tender. But those bearings are a turn off, the performance suffers and worst of all is I retro fit all my models with Kadee couplings so that nem pocket at the wrong height kills it for me. Looks like I’m sticking with Hornby, Rapido and Oxford Rail
Cool review sam
Thanks Justin!
The ironic thing here is the footplate being metal probably would've made up the missing 10 grams
Let's see in a few years if it will be better.
Third times the charm as they say.
Though I'm not crossing my fingers.
Most Railway Modellers: Why are Heljan so bad?
Sam's Trains: Let me explain...
Honestly I have actively been put off buying any Heljan locomotive unless its one of their older Class 33s, of which I have three that all work brilliantly.
No way you decided to put yourself through the waterboard torture that is the Tango again Sam…
On a separate note, will you be reviewing any version of the Rapido Jones goods?
haha I guess I thought I'd do it for old time's sake - that loco was a big part of the channel once upon a time haha! Yes Jones goods review on the way soon!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
You could say, Sam, that in purchasing this model, that you've been Tango'd!
Twice, even!!
I remember watching the last Tango review when it came out, hard to believe it's been six years. I do agree the new model looks beautiful but with that mechanism and performance, and almost every other Heljan review I've seen between the first review and this it's baffling to me that the company is still in business.
Suggest you send it back.
Yeah I probably should have haha!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I greatly appreciate your reviews. Your style and candor resonate my with my thoughts. I collected American prototypes for the most part but occasionally purchase British prototypes and was considering this model. I will be skipping this one.
People expect better when they wait years for the release ppl don’t mind paying premium when that is reflected in the end product. So much of this seems very half assed where is the quality control in innovation in the design. The non metal running plate is unforgivable the lack if bearings also. I hope the official reviews by the press give them their due. I also purchased was prepared to overlook some aspects though will probably send back although I fear they have to return and repair the whole batch. Nobody wants to see Heljan fail however why they couldn’t sort out these issues from day one of design before production.
how come you haven’t reviewed a stirling single?
It will be interesting to compare this with the dapol 28xx, i think its clear who would win.
I'll stick with my Jones Goods for that price and be happy. Will you spot what ive noticed with mine, cant wait to see. I wont mention it till youve done your review.
I’m going to hazard a guess…. Is it something to do with small buffers? 😂
@@SamsTrains it's not a rivet counter issue, I like the buffers. You mentioned a similar issue on another loco from another manufacturer earlier this year and I suspect is only an issue on certain versions. That's all I'm saying.
Hi Sam, better perhaps, but within 17 minutes we decided that any sensible thinking customer would return this tat pronto. Loose cabin, glazing bad, warped running plate... Just not acceptable in a million years really. And oh my..., 2018 actually does feel as yesterday..., and it's almost 2025... Time just flashes by... 🤒
Thanks Linda - yeah very true. I'm insane so I'm keeping it, to anyone else I'd just recommend getting the money back... just a joke!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Loctite for the front pony?
Yep, though I've now managed to improve it by removing the washer and filing down the bracket a tad!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
The last Tango in Yorkshire.....
Such a disappointment for a very nice looking loco...
You did your best Sam 🙏
haha! Yep - not surprising, but worth getting to find out!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Awesome video today Sam talk about a beautiful locomotive but heljen still needs a lot to improve
Thanks James - definitely great looking, but still not up to scratch!!!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@ yeah I agree
I remember watching your original Heljan O2 review. Is it really six years already?! We were on holiday at the time and I watched it on a hotel toilet. 😂
Time off in loo😅
Yep! Over six years now - hahaha sounds like a great time!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@michaelwhite8031 You need to get out more!
Have you had a look at t gauge
he has done videos on TT:120
he has done videos on TT:120
he has done videos on TT:120
@@terrier_productions t gauge is a bit different 😊
No never done T gauge - I'd be interested though!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I tend to by sets of loco's that represent the big 4 and BR. I was waiting for your review of this to see if this would be a good representation for the LNER. After this though, I'll stick with Robinson 04.
Yeah - the Robinson is a better option for sure!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Would be interesting if you did send it back would the replacement be smoother ? Good review though . Definitely buyer beware !
Was thinking of buying this to add to my collection of LNER heavy freight locos .but I think I give it a miss ,what a pity.
All that friction between the axles and axle mounts? Must be taking its toll there, Sam, me lad. But what a strange looking train anyhow. Good insight for maybe a novice collector who may have been set on buying one of these - now you know.
Sam, will you be reviewing Rapido's new Jones Goods locomotive?
Will you review the Rapido's New Highland Railways Jones Goods. If so, I would suggest you buy the HR yellow (1960s condition) from Rails of Sheffield.
As you being a reviewer, I completely understand pointing out minor issues and such that most casual people wouldn't notice, but what got me is the front pony. That is actually ridiculous, especially for $238 in the states, DISCOUNTED.
It seems that something as simple as a dab of threadlocker would fix that pony truck issue. How can that not have been done?
10:32
That's a weird reason to name a loco, it would be like building an engine today and giving it a name like The Dab, The Griddy or Twerking
Well, the flimsy running plates and the bathroom glass in the viewing shield alone would make me send it back but add in the front bogie falling off that is strike three and you are out of here. Three years down the line if they come out with another one, I'll remind you not to get it. Curiosity got you into this locomotive and reality hit hard. Fool me once shame on you! Enough said. Great review, Jersey Bill
haha yeah - those are bad enough aren't they! No I doubt I'll buy another of these, even if they do bring out another one!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Nearly an hour?! That must be a new record for your reviews 😂 too bad this model is still so poor though, if it was actually decent I’d pick one up since that GNR Grey looks lovely!