OO gauge class 153 and class 155 spring into the Heljan range for 2025

With calls for a high specification, high quality ‘OO’ Class 153 growing all the time, Heljan has responded with a new model based on their O gauge Class 153 (due Q1 2025), the new OO model will feature a similar specification.#

Based on original research and extensive assistance from Porterbrook Leasing, the Heljan Class 153 is packed with desirable features for modellers of the BR Sectorisation era and post-1994 privatisation period. Working engineering samples are expected to arrive in the UK for assessment in autumn 2024.

And, reversing the modifications made by BR to create the Class 153s in the early-1990s, Heljan has used the ‘153’ as a basis for an all-new BR/Leyland Class 155 ‘Super Sprinter’, filling a significant gap in the second generation DMU fleet. Full details about the Class 155 will be unveiled later, but its specification will be very similar to the Class 153. Two-car units will be offered in original Provincial Services ‘Sprinter’, West Yorkshire PTE Red/Cream (original and revised livery) and Northern liveries.

Standard Class 153/155 features will include:

• Eight separately switchable lighting functions in DCC mode
• Saloon interior and cab lights
• Tail lights and headlights with day/night settings (DCC mode)
• Illuminated destination blinds
• Bodyside door locking indicator lights and illuminated door buttons
• Original/revised headlight units, according to period and livery
• Original/modified gangway end doors, according to period and livery

Other desirable features will include the myriad rivets and panel lines typical of the British Leyland body design, fine underframe and bogie details plus:

• Factory fitted speakers on all models
• Magnetic BSI auto-couplers
• Kinematic Close Coupling Mechanisms
• Optional Snowploughs
• Fully detailed interior with separately fitted seats, tables and partitions
• Detailed standard and ‘micro cab’ interiors
• Optional NRN radio roof pods
• Authentic variations to underfloor radiator grille mesh
• Low-profile motor driving all axles (Class 153) or DMSL car (Class 155)

All models will be offered DCC Ready with an easy-to-access 21-pin decoder interface or with factory fitted DCC and sound, including route specific station announcements. Decoration will be based on original livery diagrams sourced from train operators and detailed research of the prototype.

The first batch of liveries will be:

HELJAN ‘OO’ GAUGE CLASS 153 – BATCH 1

#5360 Regional Railways 153301 DCC READY
#53603 Regional Railways 153301 DCC SOUND
Destinations: Leeds/Hull

#5364 Stagecoach East Midlands Trains 153311 DCC READY
#53643 Stagecoach East Midlands Trains 153311 DCC SOUND
Destinations: Derby/Crewe

#5365 Northern ‘Swoosh’ 153351 DCC READY
#53653 Northern ‘Swoosh’ 153351 DCC SOUND
Destinations: Sheffield/Huddersfield

#5367 Transport for Wales Grey/Red 153906 DCC READY
#53673 Transport for Wales Grey/Red 153906 DCC SOUND
Destinations: Cardiff/Swansea

#5369 London Midland City 153356 DCC READY
#53693 London Midland City 153356 DCC SOUND
Destinations: Bedford/Bletchley

GM4240801 GWR Green 153380 DCC READY – GAUGEMASTER COLLECTION
GM4240802 GWR Green 153380 DCC SOUND – GAUGEMASTER COLLECTION
Destinations: Plymouth/Penzance

HELJAN ‘OO’ GAUGE CLASS 155
#5590 Provincial Sprinter 155301 DCC READY
#55903 Regional Railways 155301 DCC SOUND
Destinations: Penzance/Bristol Temple Meads

#5591 Provincial Sprinter 155324 DCC READY
#55913 Regional Railways 155324 DCC SOUND
Destinations: Crewe/Cardiff

#5592 West Yorkshire PTE Red/Cream/Yellow 155344 DCC READY
#55923 West Yorkshire PTE Red/Cream/Yellow 155344 DCC SOUND
Destinations: Leeds/Blackpool North

#5593 West Yorkshire PTE Revised Red/Cream 155345 DCC READY
#55933 West Yorkshire PTE Revised Red/Cream 155345 DCC SOUND
Destinations: York/Hull

#5594 Northern 155346 DCC READY
#55943 Northern 155346 DCC SOUND
Destinations: Leeds/Huddersfield

Suggested Retail Price (SRP) for DCC Ready Class 153s is £199.00 or £299.00 with factory-fitted DCC and authentic sound. Delivery is expected in Q3 2025.

Suggested Retail Price (SRP) for DCC Ready two-car Class 155s is £299.00 or £399.00 with factory fitted DCC and authentic sound. Delivery is expected in Q3/Q4 2025.