Heljan Class 25/3
George Dent puts Heljan’s follow-up to its ‘O’ gauge Class 25/1 through its paces.
◆ GAUGE ‘O’ ◆ MODEL Heljan 2559 BR Class 25/3, BR blue, weathered ◆ PRICE rrp £525.00 ◆ AVAILABILITY Heljan stockists or Tower Models Tel: 01253 623797 Web: www.tower-models.com
The Br/sulzer Type 2 Bo-bo proved to be a most capable mixed traffic diesel electric locomotive. Some 327 rolled off the production lines of BR and Beyer-peacock over a six-year period, during which time the design evolved. The most striking change occurred with the final D7598-7677 batch (later 25248-327). It shared the same chassis but received a more refined style of cab front and bodysides. Having released a 7mm:1ft scale Class 25/1 in 2016, Heljan has now replicated the later body style in the form of this handsome model of the Class 25/3. There are five livery options to choose from, with two versions of the stylish two-tone BR green livery (with small or large yellow warning panels) and three iterations of BR ‘banger’ blue, including the weathered version reviewed here. Like the prototype, the Class 25/3 shares the same chassis as the earlier subclasses, so Heljan’s impressive underframe and bogies are unchanged from the earlier release (see MR228). There’s plenty of plumbing and detail fittings to admire and the characteristic bogie frames are very attractively rendered.
TWIN MOTORS
Powered by a pair of powerful motors, performance is smooth and impressive. There’s no DCC decoder socket, but a row of screw terminals allow for solder-free digital conversion. Directional and interior lighting is installed and the models’ instructions state that a switch is located under the exhaust panel, which lifts away easily from the roof (a little too easily). However, there is no switch. Another follow-on from the earlier version is a pair of exquisite cab interiors, complete with console and bulkhead detail picked out in appropriate colours and ready for the installation of a footplate crew. The ‘25/1’ was let down by an overly flat front end, but there are no such issues here. The ‘25/3’s’ elegant profile has been
captured perfectly and there’s plenty of finely crafted surface detail, especially the raised bolt heads and ventilation grilles. The lack of lower valancing panels along the sides reveals plenty of piping along the solebars, presenting a pleasingly busy appearance. A small but significant highlight is the set of impressive windscreen wipers and the quality of the flush-fitted glazing is high. Application of the simple blue livery is virtually flawless, and the factory-applied weathering job is attractive, if not quite perfect. A light coating of brown grime adorns the chassis and lower bodywork, with darker staining around the roof. There’s evidence of a swab dipped in thinners being rubbed over the bodywork, which has produced a suitable washed-out patina to the blue livery. Alas, the weathering is a little sloppy in places, with the operator’s fingerprints visible in the exhaust staining on our example.
FONT FLAW
One recurring issue with Heljan’s ‘O’ gauge diesels is the use of incorrect typefaces. The models themselves come unnumbered, but those with the alphanumeric headcodes feature typefaces that are far from authentic. Therefore, when ordering a set of number transfers, modellers may want to consider buying a set of more appropriate four-character codes as well. The headcode panels can be popped
Application of the simple blue livery is virtually flawless, and the factory-applied weathering job is attractive, if not quite perfect
out of the bodyshell fairly easily, so they can be treated away from the model if desired. Each of the available ‘25/3s’ feature fuel tanks only, so there’s a large gap where the boiler water tanks would be. Steam heat pipes are fitted to the bufferbeams, so modellers may want to remove these, while the boiler compartment grilles and access steps are present on the bodysides. However, a set of blanking plates are provided in a bag of extra details, which also include extra bufferbeam fittings and a natty set of three-piece miniature snowploughs. I imagine that most ‘Rat’ fans (Sulzer rather than Roland!) with an interest in ‘O’ gauge will be satisfied with this model. Far better in terms of looks than the preceding ‘25/1’, it may not be perfect but it certainly captures the character of these wonderful little diesels. Purists may bemoan the fact that the wheels should have holes in them, the headcode typefaces are irritating and there are some minor niggles in terms of quality control, but the overall package is impressive, with a competitive price. No post-1960s BR layout should be without one!