TAKING A PEAK AT THE HELJAN CLASS 45

HELJAN has progressed its brand-new Class 45 ‘Peak’ locomotives to the final livery stage, with production now underway. The first batch of eight general release models is due in October and will provide something for all ‘Peak’ fans, from BR green with D-numbers through to the BR blue era with both Class

45/0 steam-heat and Class 45/1 ETH-fitted locomotives being properly represented, the latter for the first time in ‘OO’ gauge.

Heljan is keen to point out that the model is not based on a single tooling with adaptations to try and meet the various differences within the class and even between individual locomotives. The tooling suite includes all variations to the point that individual locomotives can be accurately represented for a given livery. To this end, five bonnet fronts have been tooled along with an array of alternative fittings for ETH, steam heat and no-heat locomotives; head code boxes, ‘sealed beam’ marker lights and headlight fittings; different body side grille arrangements and brake details.

Priced at £169.99, the model is one of the more competitively priced ‘OO’ gauge models scheduled for release this year, particularly considering the specification, electronics, five-pole motor and six-axle drive.

The heritage scene is also covered by the first batch of Heljan Class 45s with No. 45106 decorated in BR green. Marker lights, ETH fittings and a headlight are applied to this model.

Peak performance: the forthcoming Heljan ‘OO’ gauge Class 45/1 finished in rail blue as No. 45133 with marker lights and ETH cables.