Page 36 - Rail Express - September 2019

NEWSDESK

Heljan’s

‘Sulzer’

Surprise

HARD on theheels of Heljan’s ‘OO’ gauge
Class 45 announcement comes an
exciting follow-up in the form of abrand-
newClass 47 modelin‘OO’ gauge.
Either by accident or design the
announcement isa naturalprogression
given that the Class 47 wasfitted with
an uprated version of the 2500hp Sulzer
12LD28B engine fitted to Class45s;
classified as 12LD28Crated at 2750hp
combined with aBrush main generator
andtraction motors. Classic BR blue livery on a‘standard’ locomotivewillbeone of the first versions to be offered on the newHeljan Class 47. Atypical
The design came at the behest of Class 47/0, No. 47074was observed at Chesterfield working acement train originating from Hope on August 5, 1985.
the EasternRegion which neededamore
powerful locomotivewithin alighter Heljan is no strangertothe Class 47s have
structure than theClass 45 and with Class47, having produced thefirst been associated
aCo-Co bogiearrangement formixed detailed model nearly20yearsago, with mailand
trafficduties. challenging the Limaproduct which was parcels traffic
the onlyroute to anything remotely since their
60th anniversarymodel authentic. introduction. Rail
Class 47s arenearly 60 yearsofage and Despite beingatouch toowide,it Express Systems
Heljan plans to have the first newmodels incorporated features taken forgranted No. 47780 wasin
released in time forthis significant today, including NEM coupling pockets, charge of asouth
milestone forthe class. It’s agood frame-mounted motor, workingrunning bound stowage
choice of model to update: the design lights and an eight-pin DCCinterface train consisting of
wasbothnumerous with 512 built and socket. Flush glazing, detailed cab fiveBGand GUV at
successful too, with membersofthe interior andclass-specific details were Newcastle Central
classstill in use today, eventhough the worked into the models. Its powerful on May25, 1994.
fleet is considerablyreduced in number. driveovertwo bogies and four axles
It worked numerous traffics throughout wasreliable, with the models capable of embellishments will featurealongside arecompatible with closer to scale
the UK rangingfromClass 1passenger managing long trains. thenumerous day-to-daycolours of modelling as well as ‘OO’ gaugebyusing
trains on principle mainlinesincluding in-service locomotives –thereisagreat standardaxles and ensuring that the
the East Coast, Angliaand Great Western Brand-newmodel deal of ground to coverwith liveries bogieframeshave sufficient inside
alongsidecross country services. It remains apopular model today, but alone. clearances. Makingthe body simple
This versatile class handled fast one that is increasinglydifficult for Up to date electronics,including a to remove fordecoder and sound
TPOs, mail stowage andparcelstrains, Heljan to produce with the existing decoder interface will feature, allowing installation is also important, as is
fast intermodals and all mannerof tools. The brand-newmodel will awider rangeofrunninglight positions designing the circuit boardfor correct
freighttraffic, including block steel, introduce newerinnovations, finer andsimplifieddigital sound installation. running light and headcode illumination
coal andpetroleum. Asmall sub-class tooling and better technical features. Heljan reportsthat detailed work on the without resorting to micro-switches in
adaptedfor push-pull working held the To begin, Heljan will issue the model model has commenced,with adelivery the underframe.
busy Edinburgh-Glasgow (E-G) corridor in BR green and blue liveries. This will of the first models expected in2021 Prices and the identities of the first
together formanyyears. Heavy sleeper be followedupwith mid-lifeexamples in time forthe 60th anniversary of the models will be announced by Heljan in
services overthe Highland line and drags of the sectorisation period and finally introduction of the class. due course and it is hoped that Heljan
of electric hauled services during the the life-extended locomotives of the Technical details remain to be offers awide rangeofdifferent running
upgrade of the West Coastmain line also 1990s including the cut bufferbeam confirmed and REMhopes that Heljan numbers with common liveries to allow
featured in thetype’sduties. fairings. One-off liveries with special will do much to ensurethat the models modellers to assemble atypicalfleet.

Drags of electric-hauled trains during engineering possessions on the West Coast main
line provided work forClass 47s at Nuneaton on June 29, 2002. With No. 86424 on the
Fragonset RailwaysNo. 47701 Waverley wasphotographed at the site of Ludgershall rear,No. 47736 CambridgeTraction and Rollingstock Depot guides aWolverhampton-
station on April7,2003. AScotRailversion of the push-pull Class 47/7 sub-class is Euston service into Nuneaton whereitwas detached to allowthe electric locomotive
included in Heljan’s Class 47 plans. to continue its journeysouth.
M4 RAIL EXPRESS Modeller September 2019 Supplement No. 185