What’s in the Box?
The model is packaged in the regular end flap Heljan box with a clear front. It is protected in transit using a blown plastic infill that keeps the model securely held whilst ensuring that detail parts are not damaged. This appears to have worked in this incidence here were no spare or damaged parts floating around the box. There is also a Heljan parts leaflet which notes where to fit the tank valve for the chemical tanks.
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The buffer beam has wonderfully functioning Oleo style buffers and a single red airbrake pipe. Coupling is facilitated by the a blackened Instanter style coupling, which is sprung on the rear of the buffer beam. Below the buffer beam is the moulded carrier for the brake callipers. On the outside face of wheelsets are a representation of the disk brakes and the coil suspension of the Gloucester Floating axle is best described as delightful. The compensated wheelsets have a number of moulded parts, and real coiled springs at both primary and secondary levels. These are functional with a nice level of axle depression available to cope with poorly laid track and point work.
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Along one side of the wagon in the solebar gap are the associated pipes for the airbrake system. Reservoirs and distributors are moulded and added below the solebar. At one end is a nicely cast handbrake wheel.
With exception of the loading transfers, all others are fine, clear and easily readable. A nice touch is the wheel profile transfer added to the solebar. |
Conclusion
This another great model from Heljan and it is of a very high standard, as we have come to expect. It would be right at home on any layout that is based post 1980 either on their own or as part of a long rake.
PCA has been around for a number of years as a resin kit and has served many modellers well. As it is made from resin it can be excessively heavy with some smaller locomotives struggling to move more than three or four. The Heljan ready to run model does seem to be much lighter and the floating suspension will help with dodgy track laying. |
Availability of Wagons
#1060 - PCA BCC 10800 in BR grey (1980's) livery
#1061 - PCA BCC 10894 in BR grey (1980's) livery #1062 - PCA BCC 10747 in BR grey (1980's) livery #1063 - PCA BCC 10739 in BR grey (1980's) livery #1064 - PCA BCC 10777 in BR grey (1990's) livery #1065 - PCA BCC 10770 in BR grey (1980's) livery #1066 - PCA BCC 10762 in BR grey (1980's) livery #1067 - PCA BCC 10749 in BR grey (1990's) livery #1068 - PCA BCC 10738 in BR grey (1980's) livery #1069 - PCA BCC 10888 in BR grey (1980's) livery #1078 - PCA TRL 10525 in Lever Brother purple (1980's) livery #1090 - PCA TRL 10530 in Albright & Wilson Turquoise (1980's) livery #1091 - PCA PR 9498 in Albright & Wilson Turquoise (1980's) livery Models are exclusively available from Realism Redefined here: www.realismredefined.co.uk |