We know there's a lot of excitement out there about our new O gauge Class 26 and 27 - and it's a feeling we all share too. These superb little Sulzer Type 2s are the first of a new generation of HELJAN O gauge models, introducing several new features such as 'plug-and-play' DCC capability, separately switched lighting features such as cab interior and engine room lights and more detail variations within each batch, as per our OO gauge models.
Class 26/1 - dual-brake version
This is the first complete sample received of the all-new Class 26/1 in later condition with air tanks between the bogies instead of the original steam heating water tanks. This model depicts the locos after the Heavy General Overhaul (HGO) programme of the early- to mid-1980s, during which most gained air brake equipment and lost obsolete features such as their head code discs, leaving a tidier front end appearance.
In response to feedback from our expert team and customers, this sample also features the corrected Class 26 buffer beam and sandbox design. Multiple working (MW) jumper cables, omitted on earlier samples, have also been added this time.
As a result, the tooling is now close to being approved.The next stage will be factory decorated samples - the artwork for which has already been produced and approved (see earlier blog post).
Four liveries will be offered on this version of the Class 26/1 for the first batch. Pre-orders are already very strong for all liveries, so contact your local HELJAN stockist to reserve yours now!
- 2680 BR Blue Class 26/1 unnumbered
- 2681 Rail freight Red Stripe Class 26/1 (white cantrail stripe)
- 2682 Civil Engineers 'Dutch' grey/yellow Class 26/1 unnumbered
- 2683 Rail freight Red Stripe 26027 (orange cantrail stripe) WEATHERED
Class 27 - Ready to Roll
As with the Class 26/1, a number of improvements have been to our Class 27 since the original samples were received earlier this year. The shape of the head code box on the cab roof has been modified and the waistband beading omitted across the front of the cab has now been added.Multiple working (MW) jumper cables, omitted on earlier samples, have also been added this time.
As a result, the tooling is now close to being approved.The next stage will be factory decorated samples - the artwork for which has already been produced and approved (see earlier blog post).
Eight liveries will be offered on this first batch of Class 27s. Pre-orders are already very strong for all liveries, so contact your local HELJAN stockist to reserve yours now!
So, it is with great pleasure that we present the latest samples of the Class 26 and Class 27 featuring a number of corrections and improvements over previous samples.
- 2770 BR green Class 27 with small yellow warning panel unnumbered
- 2771 BR plain green 5370 with full yellow ends WEATHERED
- 2772 BR green Class 27 with full yellow ends and cream waistband unnumbered
- 2773 BR blue Class 27 with full yellow ends (early)unnumbered
- 2774 BR blue Class 27 with full yellow ends (late)unnumbered
- 2775 BR two-tone green D5382 with small yellow warning panels
- 2776 BR blue D5389 with small yellow warning panels
- 2777 BR blue 27032 with full yellow ends & Highland Rail stags WEATHERED
Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here – on RailRoad Modelling
