LNER O2/4 - BR Black (Early Emblem) - 63945 - OO Scale

I have purchased eight Heljan O2 “Tango” locomotives, seven direct from Heljan and one through Rails of Sheffield. Most of the others have arrived perfectly, so this is not a criticism of the whole O2 range. My reviews for the other O2 models will be higher, based on my experience with those individual locomotives.
However, this particular issue has been very disappointing. The attached photograph shows three O2 Tangos with the same front bogie problem: two photographic grey examples supplied through Rails of Sheffield, including the original and its replacement, and the black BR example supplied direct from Heljan. In addition to those three, Heljan’s replacement for the black locomotive also arrived with the same front bogie fault, meaning I have effectively had four O2s suffer from the same broken bogie problem.
To be fair, Rails of Sheffield dealt with the matter quickly and professionally. They have now supplied a third example which has resolved the issue, so thank you to Rails for sorting that out properly.
Unfortunately, the Heljan direct experience has been far more frustrating. After the first black O2 arrived with the broken front bogie, the replacement sent by Heljan arrived with exactly the same issue, and I am still waiting for the matter to be properly resolved.
The repeated nature of the fault strongly suggests that the front bogie is not being adequately supported inside the rigid clear plastic packaging tray. If the bogie can move during shipping, it appears vulnerable to breaking away from the locomotive. Seeing the same fault across four examples points towards a packaging or transit-support problem rather than a simple one-off accident.
This is a real shame because the locomotive itself looks excellent when intact. The detail, finish and overall appearance are very good, and my other O2 Tangos have not all suffered from this issue.
I am sure this is something Heljan can resolve, but this particular experience has been very disappointing. Four locomotives showing the same front bogie failure is concerning, and the Heljan direct replacement process has still not addressed the matter. For that reason, I can only give this individual model experience two stars.
A good-looking locomotive, but badly let down by repeated front bogie damage and what appears to be a packaging/support issue in transit.

Good value for money, I needed another heavy goods loco and this fits the bill perfectly

An excellent model at a very keen price.