Model Rail launches Class 11

Model Rail has joined forces with Heljan to bring you the LMS 350hp diesel shunter, later to become the BR Class 11.

You could be forgiven for mistaking this machine for BR’S superlative ‘08’. But this is where the ‘Gronk’ story starts. The differences were small – wheel diameter and cab – but what we have here is the final evolution of the LMS’ pre-war diesel shunter development.

The War Department ordered the first 20 (but only took delivery of 14), the LMS took the remaining six and BR built 71 between 1948 and 1952, when ‘08’ production started. Even the Western Region took delivery of six machines that were virtually identical to the LMS design, and English Electric built them for industry too. Eight Class 11s survive, plus one ex-war Department and one built new for ICI. The Model Rail/heljan model will feature three different marker light arrangements (or WD spot lamps where appropriate), different nose end ladder/handrail combinations and will encompass smaller detail differences, such as whistles or airhorns and the types of cabside handrails.

The model will be crammed with the latest technology too: a Next18 decoder socket and working head/tail lights, where appropriate. We plan to include a ‘Stay Alive’ capacitor unit to ensure uninterrupted running over uneven and dirty track and a factory-fitted ‘sugar cube’ speaker. They’re due in Q1 2022.

There will be 15 liveries to choose from, each one limited to 300 pieces.

Turn the page to choose your favourite.