Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Heljan roundhouse mystery

2332 views
6 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    September 2010
  • 400 posts
Heljan roundhouse mystery
Posted by Mister Mikado on Monday, September 19, 2022 7:43 PM

just purchased a heljan 3 stall 803 roundhouse extension.  it's supposed to come with the center of the three sidewall sections extending higher to match the higher roof, but the box has three lower sections with no higher center section.  but the longer windows for that higher section are included. 

i just saw photos of an open box ebay similar kit and it also lacks that higher section, just has 3 lowers.  what gives?

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Monday, September 19, 2022 8:46 PM

I built this kit back in 1995. You already have the two outside walls with the #802 kit, yes?

The add-on three stalls will only have three back wall sections, three door arch sections and three girder supports and roof panels (12).

I'm not sure what you mean by "center of the three sidewall sections"?

This is the one I had until I replaced it with the Walthers Modern Roundhouse:

 Roundhouse4 by Edmund, on Flickr

I made roof sections removable.

 RH_4 by Edmund, on Flickr

Plus the floor sections, too:

 RH_3 by Edmund, on Flickr

Good Luck, Ed

  • Member since
    September 2010
  • 400 posts
Posted by Mister Mikado on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 11:12 AM

 Thank you for your generous help, Ed!  I circled the missing side section in red.  The kit (which was advertised as having missing parts) includes an extra shorter wall section instead of that taller one, and the back sections are missing but at least the extension shed is all there so I will only have to kitbash two back walls and that taller circled section which was so charming it's what led me to buy the kit.  At least the taller windows are in the box.

Goes to show you no matter how much you study the photos and think all the parts LOOK like they are included, the only proof is when the box is in your hand and you see what's really there.

All the best, Rob

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 11:52 AM

Mister Mikado
I circled the missing side section in red.

Hi, Rob

Well, you know, the side walls which are one piece, are part of the 602 Three stall roundhouse. The 603 "extension" kit is simply to add additional stalls between the side walls, thus the 603 kit does not include additional side walls.

The "extra" shorter wall section is probably the wall that lengthens one stall which is an option with this kit. Did you get the instruction sheet?

You're a little late. I had offered the 9 stall roundhouse shown a while back and had one person interested then they changed their mind. To the styrene recycler it went after I stripped out all the usable parts.

Enjoy building your kit.

Regards, Ed

  • Member since
    September 2010
  • 400 posts
Posted by Mister Mikado on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 12:00 PM

thanks ed, the box says 803 and it is the extension set.  the instruction sheet shows that raised section I circled.  (the one that meets the raised roof)

a kitbashing we shall go!

  • Member since
    September 2010
  • 400 posts
Posted by Mister Mikado on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 9:05 PM

thanks to you ed i think i figured it out.  what is missing is the one piece sidewall running the entire length front to back with a higher middle. the three shorter sections included in my box are the three back walls, because their top edges are horizontal to match the rear roof edge.  am i correct?

or are you saying the 803 was just a CENTER add on with no side walls at all?  now i am thoroughly confused.  next time i will spend a little more and buy a complete kit.  -rob

  • Member since
    September 2010
  • 400 posts
Posted by Mister Mikado on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 11:54 PM

ok i can now put this puppy to rest. i looked hard at photos of ebay 803s for sale. no sidewalls are included and the item says mint new condition.  the 803 goes between two finished sections like ed said, thanks ed.  what threw me off was the tall arch windows for the middle of said sidewall are included which made me ask where's the rest. i guess all the windows are molded on the same sprue so they throw them in.  -rob

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!