CLASS 26 RETURN

Keeping with the Scottish theme, Heljan revealed a new version of its popular ‘OO’ gauge Class 26 locomotive. Since the ‘O’ gauge models of the Inverness-allocated locomotives were announced, there has been demand for an ‘OO’ gauge version modelled with the Inverness twin-headlight modification for working on the Far North line.

It is the start of a complete revamp of the Class 26 model for which further announcements will be made in the near future. The revamp models will be fitted with LED running lights, alongside upgrading of the mechanism, electronics and DCC interface to include a 21-pin socket accessible through a removable panel in the roof.

Further Class 26/1s covering the lifespan of the class will be announced, followed by Class 26/0s.

But first off the blocks is a single 1970s BR blue locomotive as No. 26039, together with an early-1980s BR blue locomotive with Highland Rail embellishments numbered as

No. 26032 – both fitted with working twin-headlights.

Twin-headlight fitted No. 26041 at Inverness on May 15, 1984. There were a lot of detail differences that could be observed between Class 26s with regard to patching, headlights and other front end details in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Two ‘OO’ gauge Class 26 locomotives modelled for Far North line operations covering the 1970s and early 1980s are announced by Heljan as a precursor to a revamp of the Class 26 range. The recently announced ‘O’ gauge model is shown.