First look: Heljan GWR AEC Parcels Railcar for 'OO'

Heljan has shared images of decorated samples of its forthcoming OO gauge GWR AEC diesel parcels railcars. New for 2023, the parcels railcars join further new liveries applied to its tooling of the passenger railcars.

The DCC-ready models are fitted with a 21-pin DCC decoder socket, NEM-mounted couplings, working directional and interior lights, plus sprung buffers. Heljan has said that models are "subject to revision" and don't necessarily represent final models, and that it has already identified corrections required.

(3490) No. 34 in GWR chocolate/cream with coat of arms.

Liveries promised for this first batch of the models are as follows:

• (3490) GWR chocolate/cream No. 34 with coat of arms (dark grey roof)
• (3491) BR Express Parcels Crimson No. 34 (grey roof)
• (3492) BR Express Parcels Crimson No. 34 (grey roof weathered)

(3491) BR Express Parcels No. 34 (grey roof).

The GWR pioneered the use of diesel railcars for passenger traffic in the 1930s. The most numerous variant was the batch built in 1940-1942 with its 'razor edge' bodywork. Employed on branch lines and secondary routes, the vehicles were superseded by BR first-generation DMUs in the early-60s.

The specification of Heljan's models promises separately switchable headlamps, tail lights, interior and cab lights, and a detailed interior.

Look out for our first look review of these models as soon as they arrive on World of Railways, with a more in-depth scrutiny of models in BRM magazine.

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