The 1983-introduced heavy freight Class 58 is the perfect follow-up to Heljan’s popular Class 56 for ‘O’ gauge. MIKE WILD takes a detailed look at Mainline blue 58021 while we catch up with Heljan's Ben Jones to see a sample in action on Britain's Biggest Model Railway.
THE CLASS 58 diesel-electrics were a break from longstanding locomotive design and a big step in development on their introduction in 1983. The modular body gave quick access to the main components in a bid to reduce downtime for maintenance and overhauls and provide increased availability and reliability.
They were introduced in 1983 with 50 built by British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL) at Doncaster Works, the last being completed in 1987. They were initially used on Merry-Go-Round coal traffic from the Nottinghamshire coalfields, but could also be found on fly ash and cement traffic. In later life their operational sphere increased to cover Southern Region turf as well, by which time they were seen on traffic types as diverse as clay slurry tanks, Ministry of Defence trains, LPG tanks, cement and ‘binliner’ container trains.
Above: Heljan’s all-new ‘O’ gauge Class 58 is here, and it’s magnificent. Our review sample models 58021 Hither Green Depot in Ma…
