CLASS 48 IS NO ‘DUFF’!

Like the proverbial bus, another livery sample arrived at the same time as the PWMS, affording us our first glimpse of how our exclusive Brush Class 48 will look. With Heljan’s all-new Class 47 production getting under way, our unique versions shouldn’t be too far off.

We’ve commissioned a specially tooled bodyshell to depict the small fleet of Brush Type 4s fitted initially with a Sulzer V12 power unit, leading to a significantly revised roof and exhaust layout. Built by Brush at Falcon Works, Loughborough in 1965-6, the Sulzer V12 12LVA24 engines produced 2,650hp, in contrast to the twin-bank cylinder arrangement employed on the standard locomotives, eventually rated at 2,580hp.

Based initially at Tinsley (Sheffield), D1702-6 worked a variety of passenger and freight traffic before moving to Norwich for use on Great Eastern expresses. However, the V12 engines soon became prone to failure, leading BR to take the decision to re-engine the small fleet to match the rest of the Brush Type 4s, which was accomplished by 1971. Interestingly, D1705 (47117) is now preserved, albeit as a fully fledged Class 47 ‘Duff’!

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

The uplift in fidelity and detail of Heljan’s new Class 47 tooling is immediately evident. The bogies and underframe detail features greater depth and finesse, while the bodyshell has a much improved profile and crisply rendered grille and louvre detail.

The two-tone green livery and small yellow panels on our sample of D1702 really look the part and the all-important roof panels reflect those found on the prototype V12 Type 4s.

We’ll be offering four versions, limited to just 250 pieces each, all in two-tone green livery, but with a choice of small or full yellow warning panels. A pair of weathered versions is also included.

Like the ‘PWMS’, we’re hoping to start taking orders forthe Class 48s soon, once we have a clearer idea of their delivery schedule.

Look out for further updates in Model Rail or on our social media channels.

What’s planned?

◆ BR Class 48 D1702 BR two-tone green, small yellow panels

◆ BR Class 48 D1704 BR two-tone green, small yellow panels, weathered

◆ BR Class 48 D1706 BR two-tone green, full yellow ends

◆ BR Class 48 D1703 BR two-tone green, full yellow ends, weathered

When’s it due? Q2 2023

Price: £TBC