FIRST LOOK: Heljan ED EP

FIRST LOOK: Heljan ED EP

hm174_heljan_class_73_side_rev_lr1

Heljan has received the first Engineering Prototype (EP) of its forthcoming newly-tooled 'O' gauge BR Class 73 Electro-Diesel (ED) for evaluation by the development team.

Built in the 1960s, these versatile locomotives were designed for use on BR's Southern Region and featured a diesel engine as well as 750V DC third-rail compatibility. 

hm174_heljan_class73_ep_2

The hand-assembled pre-production sample was available to view on the Hornby Magazine stand at the Great Electric Train Show on October 2/3 and represents a step-change in detailing with plug-and-play DCC interface, twin motors, flywheel, all-wheel drive and pick-up, new lighting features and a wealth of separately fitted parts including exquisite underframe and bogie details. (note: the sample features a mix of early and late detail parts with some elements missing)

The Class 73 will also feature a built-in DCC-activated third-rail 'arc' flash and high-intensity headlights (where appropriate).

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17 new 'O' gauge models are planned initially covering the class across the years (see table).

Prices are set at £749 each.

Visit www.heljan.co.uk for more information.

Identity Livery Cat No.
E6008 BR early blue (weathered) 7300
E6020 BR blue with small yellow panels 7301
73137 BR blue with full yellow ends 7302
73114 BR large logo blue 7303
73102 Airtour Suisse InterCity Executive 7304
73108 BR Civil Engineers 'Dutch' livery 7305
73126 Kent & East Sussex Railway Revised BR Network SouthEast 7306
73101 The Royal Alex Pullman umber and cream  7307 (GM)
Unnumbered EWS maroon and gold 7308
73212  Network Rail yellow 7309
73107 Tracy GB Railfreight orange/blue 7310
Unnumbered BR blue with small yellow panels 7311
Unnumbered BR blue with full yellow ends 7312 (TM)
Unnumbered BR large logo blue 7313
Unnumbered InterCity Executive 7314
Unnumbered BR Civil Engineers 'Dutch' livery 7315
Unnumbered GB Railfreight orange/blue 7320

Notes: (GM) Gaugemaster Collection / (TM) Tower Models exclusive.