Heljan project progress report

New arrivals

The next locomotives to arrive in the shops, will be the centre headcode Class 40s and refurbished Class 31s in O gauge. Models are currently en route to Europe and are expected to reach our UK retailers in August. No less than five liveries are being offered on the Class 40 and nine across the '31/1' and '31/4' sub-classes for the Brush Type 2.

The '31s' and '40s' are due to be followed a couple of months later (shipping issues permitting) by a new batch of O gauge Class 60s in a wide range of colourful liveries, from original Railfreight grey to contemporary DB Cargo, GB Railfreight and DCRail liveries. As ever, all of these models have been produced in limited quantities and some are close to being sold out already.

Also now in production is the second batch of O gauge Class 50s. These EE Type 4s sold very quickly first time out, especially those in the classic BR large logo blue. Despite producing extra versions and increasing quantities to cater for demand, pre-orders for Batch 2 have been so strong that all large logo versions are already sold out at the warehouse. Any customers wishing to obtain these models are strongly recommended to contact their local stockist now to secure them before they disappear.

Six versions are being produced, covering BR blue, large logo with grey or black roof, Large Logo 50036 Victorious, Revised Network SouthEast light blue and 'Laira blue' 50019 Ramillies in typically weathered DCWA sub-sector condition (pictured).

Class 37/4 O gauge - Batch 3

A third batch of O gauge Class 37/4's is now in preparation. Featuring a mix of existing liveries and new versions, Batch 3 includes several fully decorated numbered and named favourites joining the range. All are being produced in limited quantities.

#3741 BR Large Logo Blue unnumbered (rerun)
#3745 Trainload Freight 3T grey unbranded/unnumbered (rerun)
#3753 Railfreight Petroleum 3T grey 37418 Pectinidae
#3754 BR Large Logo 37426 Y Lein Fach/Vale of Rheidol
#3755 BR Large Logo 37404 Ben Cruachan*
#3756 Railfreight Construction 3T grey 37425 Sir Robert McAlpine/Concrete Bob*
#3757 Railfreight Distribution 3T grey 37413 Loch Eil Outward Bound
*Loco with factory weathered finish

009 Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Baldwin 2-4-2T 'LYN'

Also now in transit from the factory is the latest OO9 steam locomotive, Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Baldwin 2-4-2T 'LYN'. These beautiful little machines complement Heljan's existing L&B fleet and will be available in six versions from July. Covering L&BR, transition and Southern Railway liveries, as well as a plain black version for freelance layouts, 'LYN' featuring a 6-pin DCC interface, working LED headlamp and a range of authentic detail variations.

Above: Production 'LYN' models being tested prior to shipment.

BR Mk1 CCT van

The first sample of the ubiquitous BR Mk1 CCT van in O gauge has arrived for review. As always with a first sample, a number of issues have been identified and will be resolved before the models go into production. However, overall, the model looks very promising and Heljan look forward to making rapid progress towards a release in the first half of 2022. Standard features include compensated axles, sprung buffers and couplings, fine wire handrails and extensive underframe detail.

Mk2 Coaches

The family of O gauge Mk2 coaches is progressing well. Tooling is now approved and deco artwork is in progress. Further updates on these superb models will follow soon, but for the moment here's a sample of the TSO version, hand-painted by Brian Daniels.

GWR '2251'/Collett Goods 0-6-0

On a less positive note, Heljan has taken the decision to halt their O gauge GWR '2251'/Collett Goods 0-6-0 project in order to focus on other products that are currently in greater demand. It's not a decision lightly taken, but with demand for O gauge diesel & electric era subjects increasing and only a small team working across many new products, they have prioritised the completion and delivery of projects such as the new Class 47, 56, 26/27 and 73, plus other O gauge D&E projects to be revealed soon.

This doesn't mean that Heljan is not interested in steam era subjects - they tell us they are constantly reviewing ideas for new products and are always open to ideas from our retailers and customers.

Other projects

Heljan has more than 20 projects in progress, plus exclusive models for the National Railway Museum, Rails of Sheffield, Model Rail Magazine, Kernow Model Rail Centre and others yet to be announced. Unfortunately, the global pandemic continues to disrupt production, causing delays. Certain projects have been more affected than others, with the OO gauge Class 45 and O gauge Class 117/121/122 particularly suffering, despite being frustratingly close to completion.

OO Gauge
LNER 'O2' 2-8-0 (new versions) - awaiting improved samples. Due 2022
Class 02 diesel shunter - in tooling. 2022 release
Ruston 165DE - deco samples in preparation. Late-2021/early-2022 release
Class 25 - Batch 2 deco samples in preparation. Late-2021/early-2022 release
Class 33/0 - new batch deco samples approved. Q4 2021 release
Class 45 - awaiting improved deco samples. Q4 2021 release
Class 47 - tooling approved. Deco samples in preparation. Full update soon.
Class 86/4 - Tooling approved. Deco samples in preparation. Q2 2022 release
GWR Diesel Railcar - In production. Due July/August
Class 104 DMU - Design in progress. 2022 release

O Gauge
GWR '2251' 0-6-0 - project halted.
Class 02 diesel shunter - in tooling. 2022 release
Class 26/1 - tooling approved. Awaiting deco samples. 2022 release
Class 27 - tooling approved. Awaiting deco samples. 2022 release
Refurbished Class 31/1 & 31/4 - due August 2021
Centre headcode Class 40 - due August 2021
Class 47 - awaiting final deco samples. Late-2021 release
Class 50 - Batch 2 in production. Due late-2021
Class 56 - awaiting deco samples. Late-2021/early-2022 release
Class 60 - Batch 2 deco samples under review. Due Sept/Oct 2021
Class 73/1 - First EP sample due shortly. 2022 release
Class 117/121/122 DMUs - awaiting final deco samples. 2022 release
Mk1 CCT - First EP received (see photo). 2022 release
Mk2 Coaches - Tooling approved/deco artwork in progress. 2022 release
LMS Inspection Saloon - Design work in progress.