Detailed Lima 47 Vs Hejan 47

No contest, go with the Heljan 47.

Nick

Dont replace all your limas with heljans, make the heljans extras, seems a waste, how many limas you got??

Just wondered if they would look silly together, or if I got one Heljan, end up thinking how better (or worse?!) they look and end up replacing all of the limas. I have never seen a Heljan up close (been away from the scene for a while and just getting back into it all - my, don't times change!)

Of course, once I sort the 47 issue out, I will be turning my attentions to my 4 lima class 37's -> Bachmann!! :-)

I've still got a Lima example- I've been using it for practicing on.....

The only thing I can find wrong with the Heljan is that body width does'nt look 100% right, and I don't like the detailing pack & bufferbeams. Apart from that the motor seems to be top quality.

Alan

They don't look too great together actually... The Bachmann 37 is definately better than the Lima, although Bachmann only produce the refurbished batch currently.

I've also been away from the scene for a while (came back a few years ago) I stopped when privatisation was looming (subscription to Rail was cancelled...)

Alan

Agreed about the body width. But I do feel the Heljan 47 is better in all other respects (running particularly - it's not hard to be better than the Lima pancake ringfield!) including detail.

Ian J.

I suppose it all really depends on cost, fun and a whole host of other things. If I had to make the same choice, I would choose to keep the Lima stock and detail it, because:

• Lima (just about) runs well enough for my needs;
• Doing the detailing stuff if the fun part of the hobby for me;
• (Relating to previous statement) I don't get much satisfaction buying a ready made, "perfect" model (I know, even Heljan have errors, but I mean in comparison);
• I cannot afford to get rid of a load of models and pay for a load more, ostensibly the same, models.
• There is also the satisfaction of saying, "I did that".

Of course, your values and priorities may be different. However, with a bit of care and *take*your*time*, you should be able to create a reasonable product. Don't try to hurry detailing though. Trying to get instant results, I find, gives instant poor results.

Best wishes.

PhilD

Thanks for all of the pointers guys. I have never detailed a loco before, but like to prospect of doing so. I think I will try detailing a lima and see what the outcome is.

That's roughly when I stopped. (also around the same time as going university!!) But I am finding it more interesting modelling a *past era* than a present one and find myself paying more attention to detail. Anyway, lets hope Bachmann decide a 37/0 split headcode would be a good idea!

Forget the Lima and go for Heljan..... After removing the Heljan loco' body !!!, the body and chassis can be altered by removing plastic from the inside of the body at each end and the four corner areas, after disconnecting the electrics, proceed to remove the required amount of metal from the chassis sides, corners and ends. If you look at the chassis you will notice mould-lines/areas which can be filed down to narrow the width. This will help by avoiding the body being forced out more than necessary....you can also warm the body slightly and bend the sides inwards. Smear a little suitable grease to the corner areas of the chassis. The body should now be easier to remove and refit.

Regards,

Colin.

Yes, I seem to have a large collection of Blue era stock and I have a sudden jump to present day freight!

I would love a split headcode 37 in blue large logo with Scottie dog :)

Alan

Agree with PhilD, go for detailing your limas and get some heljans, then they both will seem to look the same, I have 2 heljans and one lima, only recently coming back to modeling. Im surprised at the cost of locos as I bought 4 brand new class 56s from mainline when they were released, they cost £23?? £26 each?? cant remember exactly, early 80s, now they go for £50 brand new and £30 to £45 on ebay!! what I do like is the idea of is dcc, but its too expensive for me at the mo, not worth me spending that amount when all I have is a large circle just to keep them loose.

I found it helped to trim down the width of the cab interior insert as well. Remember the Heljan might be too wide but the Lamer is too narrow.

Mike Parkes snipped-for-privacy@mphgate.removetoreply demon.co.uk

Don't forget to trim down the cab-width...;-) Colin.

At the end of the day, one man's meat is another man's poison...but Lima and Heljan don't look quite right together somehow.... There is a big difference in cost....... and quality.

Colin.