Heljan upscales Class 17 for 'O'

Heljan upscales Class 17 for 'O'

It may have been one of the least successful 1960s era diesel locomotives, but the Clayton Type 1s continue to be exceptionally popular in model form. MIKE WILD reviews Heljan’s all-new and eagerly awaited Class 17 for ‘O’ gauge.

WHEN BR PLACED the first order for 88 twin-engine centre cab Bo-Bo diesels with Clayton in 1961, little did the board realise just how much of a disaster these locomotives would be. In total, 117 were built between 1962 and 1965, with the final 29 completed by Beyer, Peacock in Manchester.

The class had been designed as the standard Type 1 diesel where the all-round visibility from the cab was seen as an advantage, though the driver had to look over a long bonnet in both directions. Each was equipped with two Paxman 6ZHXL engines (apart from D8586 and D8587 which had Rolls Royce power units), but they were dogged by reliability issues related to cylinder heads, crankshaft movement and oil contamination.

Want to read more?

This is a premium article and requires an active Key Model World subscription.

Existing subscriber? Sign in now

No subscription?

Enjoy the following subscriber only benefits:

  • Unlimited access to all Key Model World content
  • Exclusive product reviews, latest news, builds and highly detailed layouts
  • Read 5,300 articles, in a fully searchable archive of modelling content growing daily!
  • Access to read the official Hornby Magazine and Airfix Model World online, brought to life with video and additional imagery
  • Access on any device- anywhere, anytime
  • Choose from our offers below