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Southern Electric Modelling Gallery -
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| Below are illustrations of 4mm scale mass produced ready to run diesel locomotives. Details of how to contact manufacturers and suppliers can be found in our modelling contacts section. To view any picture larger (max. 60kB) - click on the picture and it will open in another window. |
| Lima Class 09 | |
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Lima favoured the Southern by early on in their British range introducing both the Class 33 and Class 09. Being launched in 1978 the model is more of a toy than scale model. It can however be much improved by super-detailing, as can be seen on our kit-built, super-detailing, conversions and scratch-built locomotives page. |
| In the picture above the original Lima model has been repainted, which improves its looks and permanently coupled to a Lowfit match truck with pickups fitted to improve its passage over points. From 1999 the chassis was improved to have all three axles driven. | |
| Lima Class 33 | |
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Lima's first Crompton in OO scale was introduced in 1977 and again is rather toy-like. It is, however, a good start for a super-detailing project, as can be seen on our kit-built, super-detailing, conversions and scratch-built locomotives page. The model pictured left is an early example from 1977. |
| Lima went on to produce 35 different
versions including a dubious one in CIE orange and black livery! In 1986 the body was improved. |
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| Heljan Class 33/0 | |
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Given the rather basic quality of the Lima 33 the announcement by Heljan of a state-of-the-art Class 33 model was greeted by Southern modellers with enthusiasm. However, when released the model was met with mixed reviews. On the positive side, in terms of quality and detail it is light-years ahead of the Lima model with lots of separately applied detail, incredibly fine moulding (just look around the bogies!), flush-glazing, directionally controlled headcode panel lighting, changeable headcodes and with an eight wheel all pick up drive it runs like a dream. However, the roof profile, which should be a continuous curve, incorrectly flattens towards the centre of the roof line. So some think the "look" of the model, especially when viewed end on, is not quite right. |
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| Lima vs Heljan 33/0s | |
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So does the Heljan 33 look right? You decide
for yourself. On the left is a super-detailed Lima 33 (with damaged buffer beam detail) and on the right a Heljan 33 awaiting fitting of its additional buffer beam detail and headcode blind. When measured against scale drawings the profile of the Heljan roof is correct from the bodyside to the top of the grilles, but the radius then tightens by up to 1mm too much. The profile of the Lima roof measures spot-on. |
| Heljan Class 33/1 and 33/2 | |
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In late 2006 Heljan released their 33/1 and 33/2 models, the four blue samples are illustrated left. Fortunately the roof profile on these versions is correct as is the narrower body and the way the bodysides go over the solebars on the "Slim Jim" (33/2). |
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RETURN TO 4mm SCALE INDEX
RETURN TO MODELLING INDEX
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This feature is brought to you by the Southern Electric Group as a service to its members and enthusiasts. The Southern Electric Group is the only group covering all aspects of the Southern Electric System past , present and future. If you are not a member you are very welcome to join the group. For more details please follow the links bottom left. |
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| Find out more about the SEG or about
membership and to print out a membership application form. |
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This page updated
11th December 2006 by Colin Duff. |
