R&H 48DS in development for 'O'

Heljan has revealed CAD imagery of a new model for 2024, joining its 7mm:1ft scale range – the Ruston & Hornsby 48DS.  Designed from scratch using original research and drawings provided by Ruston 48DS owners and experts, this new entry-level model is aimed at modellers of the industrial scene, BR-era main line layouts and preservation sites, where many of the survivors now reside. 

An early variant of the locomotive, lacking cab doors of the later iterations, for quick entry and exit – also lacks comfort on cold, windy days!

Suggested Retail Price is £199.00, with first deliveries expected in Q3 2024. Five liveries have been announced in this first batch, covering industrial, BR and preserved machines, while others are expected to be announced later:

• (9030) Ruston & Hornsby 48DS Factory Lined Green (Open Cab) ERA 4/5/6
• (9032) Ruston & Hornsby 48DS Yellow/Wasp Stripes (Enclosed Cab) ERA 7/8
• (9035) BR Southern Region Green Ruston 48DS DS1169 (Open Cab) ERA 4/5
• (9037) Ruston & Hornsby 48DS Dark Green ‘Sir William McAlpine’ (Enclosed Cab) ERA 8/9
• (9038) Ruston & Hornsby 48DS Express Dairy Blue (Open Cab) ERA 4/5

Chain drive details are to be visible, too.

Detail variations include original open style cab and the later enclosed design, standard or deep bufferbeams and optional lifting rings for the sides of the underframe.

A view of the cab internals and under-nose circuitry.

Standard features include separately switchable headlamps, a detailed cab interior, Next18 DCC decoder interface, factory-fitted speaker in the radiator section, compact five-pole motor with flywheel and low gearing for slow speed shunting control, authentic cab and bufferbeam variations, wire handrails, finely-detailed chassis with chain drive and brake gear and wire mesh radiator grille.

Heljan Ruston and Hornsby 48DS with late cab and deeper bufferbeam for O gauge. 

Heljan commented, "O gauge diesels don’t get much smaller than this! It’s time to welcome our new 1:43.5 scale starter locomotive – the classic Ruston & Hornsby 48DS industrial shunter. Perfect for layouts of every size, from the smallest shunting plank to a giant industrial complex, our tiny Ruston 48DS diesel is now at the tooling stage following the completion of detailed design work.

"Working samples are expected for review in the autumn, ahead of first releases in mid-2024. Look out for 3D prototypes on the Heljan stand at the Gauge O Guild’s Guildex event in Stafford on September 2/3.

For further details, see your local Heljan stockist.

Build your dream compact layout for this model with a flying start – search our World of Railways Plus trackplan archive.