Have your say on new models

At Model Rail we’re always on the lookout for opportunities to bring you exciting new models… and Heljan’s all-new ‘OO’ gauge Class 47 offers two such opportunities, including a locomotive that’s never been produced ready-to-run before. But these projects can only go ahead with YOUR support.

BR ordered five Type 4 Co-cos from Brush with Sulzer V12 engines, rather than the 12-cylinder twin-bank Sulzer engines fitted to the rest of the Type 4 fleet. These locomotives, D1702-D1706, became Class 48 under BR’S TOPS classification system but, due to the engine’s unreliability, they were rebuilt as standard Class 47s between 1969 and 1971. One, D1705, survives at the Great Central Railway.

Our proposed model would feature a bespoke body with Class 48 specific exhaust ports. The models would predominantly be offered in prototypical BR two-tone green with warning panels or yellow ends, but that doesn’t rule out the option to produce some later schemes with fictional ‘48XXX’ numbers, if demanded (the real locomotives became 47114-47118 under TOPS).

We have also been offered the chance to produce a limited run of Heljan’s new model in EWS maroon/gold livery. This livery is not being offered as part of the main range.

But that’s not all…

We also have the opportunity to produce the SR ‘USA’ 0-6-0T and Ruston ‘PWM’ 0-6-0DE in ‘O’ gauge with Heljan. The ‘USA’ would only be offered with Southern Railway cabs and bunkers but with the option of BR modifications, such as the hinged platform under the smokebox door. The RRP would be somewhere in the region of £475, while the ‘PWM’ could cost approximately £395.

We need to know whether there is a market for these ‘OO’ and ‘O’ gauge models. To register your interest (and remember this is not a commitment to buy) please e-mail modelrail@bauermedia.co.uk with ‘New Models’ in the subject line. We look forward to hearing from you!

◆◆Would ‘O’ or ‘N’ gauge modellers also be interested in 7mm:1ft or 2mm scale version of our LNER ‘J70’ 0-6-0T and WR ‘16XX’ 0-6-0PT? Please let us know what you think.