Heljan to manufacture NB 10800 for 'OO'

Main image: 10800 in mid-1950s condition with revised bonnet vents and original ladders.

Ahead of its return to the exhibition circuit at Model Rail Scotland in Glasgow this weekend, model manufacturer, Heljan has unveiled a new diesel-outline model for OO gauge, depicting the North British 'Bo-Bo' prototype 10800.

Following on from its previous OO gauge prototype diesels, such as Lion, Kestrel and DP2, 10800 is to be produced in limited quantities across four versions depicting the NBL machine in post-1954 SR/LMR and final BR condition with later external modifications.

The model specification includes fine etched metal parts, working marker and cab lights, a 21-pin DCC interface, DCC sound provision, sprung buffers and all-wheel drive/pick-up.

10800 in mid-1950s condition with revised bonnet vents and original ladders.

Built in Glasgow by NBL in the early-1950s, 10800 was ordered by the LMS as part of its pioneering investigations into main line diesel traction. It was envisaged as the equivalent of 3MT tank locomotives for lighter passenger and freight work and fitted with an 827hp Paxman diesel engine. Eventually delivered to BR in 1952 it was tested on the London Midland, Southern and (briefly) Eastern Regions. After withdrawal by BR in 1959 it was sold to Brush and used as a testbed for new traction equipment before being scrapped in 1976.

Artwork for the forthcoming models, minus the weathered version (1081) in BR Early Emblem black 10800 (SR/LMR condition).

Based on original NBL drawings and extensive research of the pioneering locomotive, CAD work is said to be complete, with tooling underway. Four versions will be available on general release depicting 10800 in different stages of its life:

• (1080) BR Early Emblem black/silver 10800 (SR/LMR condition)
• (1081) BR Early Emblem black 10800 (SR/LMR condition) Weathered
• (1082) BR Early Emblem black/silver 10800 (final BR condition)
• (1083) BR Late Crest green 10800

For further details, including pricing, see your Heljan stockist.