Heljan unveils 2020/21 range at Warley

Among the key models is the new BR Mk. 2/Mk. 2a coaches in O gauge, which will be available in three different variants; Tourist Second Open (TSO), Brake Second Open (BSO) and Brake First Corridor (BFK).

PHOTO: ANDREW DONNELLY

Key features include sprung couplings, wire handrails, and detail interiors, the first releases are due in 2021 with a variety of liveries available listed below;

Mk2 Tourist Second Open (TSO)

• 2400 BR blue/grey
• 2401 ScotRail
• 2402 Network SouthEast
• 2403 Hebridean green/cream
• 2404 Provincial Trans-Pennine
• 2405 Regional Railways
• 2406 West Coast Maroon

Mk2 Brake Second Open (BSO)

• 2410 BR blue/grey
• 2411 Network SouthEast
• 2412 Hebridean green/cream
• 2413 Regional Railways
• 2414 BR blue/grey with Micro-Buffet
• 2415 DRS blue

Mk2 Brake First Corridor (BFK)

• 2420 BR blue/grey
• 2421 Network SouthEast
• 2422 Regional Railways
• 2423 InterCity Executive
• 2424 Network Rail yellow

Due for release early 2021 is the firm’s third O gauge locomotive, the 2251 Class 0-6-0, better known as the ‘Collett Goods’. Sharing its tender with the ‘43XX’ 2-6-0, the model will feature a similar specification. Design work is currently in process and the locomotive will be available DCC and sound ready, featuring working inside motion, detailed footplate, flickering firebox light, sprung buffers and couplings, plus wire handrails.  Confirmed liveries include Great Western green, GWR green, GWR green with ‘shirtbutton’ monogram, BR black with early emblem (weathered option), BR Black late crest, BR Green with late crest and BR lined green with late crest.

PHOTO: BRIAN DANIELS

Alongside the new ‘Collett Goods’ and BR Mk. 2/Mk. 2a coaches, an updated version of the OO gauge Class 86 Bo-Bo electric has also been announced, which will cover the mixed traffic ‘86/4’ and freight-only ‘86/6’ variants seen from the mid-1980s onwards. These models will be DCC and sound ready and produced in a wide range of liveries with numerous detail differences according to livery and era.

On the Heljan stand is an updated version of the OO gauge Class 47 diesel (pictured above). Due for release in late-2020, it will kick-start a programme of new versions and liveries. An updated and improved version of the popular OO gauge Class 33/0 diesel is also on its way, featuring later locomotives fitted with high-intensity headlights in the most popular liveries of the late-1980s, 1990s, and 2000s.

Finally, an updated re-release of the O gauge Class 37/0 diesel (pictured above), featuring the early split headcode design in the most popular liveries of the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s has been confirmed, plus new versions of the GNR/LNER/BR ‘O2’ 2-8-0, now with Great Northern cab and tender options. Both models are expected in 2020.