Heljan has announced plans to produce an all-new ‘OO’ gauge Class 44 ‘Peak’ 1-Co-Co-1 diesel.
Built between 1959 and 1960, ten of the pilot scheme diesel locomotives were completed for British Rail at its Derby Works. Each was named after well-known British mountains, hence the ‘Peak’ moniker.
Heljan’s all-new Class 44 follows the success of its recent Class 45 release for ‘OO’ and will feature all-new body tooling, bespoke bogie and underframe parts.
The extensive tooling suite will reflect major detail variations between locomotives for the first time, including the experimental slotted grilles carried by D9 and D10, while smaller variations such as boiler filler hatches (open or plated) and boiler filler access steps (open or plated) will also be incorporated. Models will also be produced with original boiler water tanks and also without, representing later-era condition.
The new Class 44’s specification includes a powerful motor, twin flywheel drive, 21-pin Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder socket, six separately switchable lighting functions, detailed cab interiors, sprung buffers, etched grilles, separate headcode discs and factory-fitted speakers.
Available DCC ready or DCC sound fitted, five different models will form the initial batch of releases including D6 Whernside in BR plain green (Cat No. 4400/44003), D9 Snowdon in BR green with small yellow panels and slotted grilles (4401/44013), 1 Scafell Pike in BR blue (4402/44023), D5 Cross Fell in BR economy green with small yellow panels (4403/44033) and 44010 Tryfan in BR blue with slotted grilles (4404/44043)
Design work for the all-new ‘OO’ gauge Class 44 is now complete, with first engineering samples expected in early 2024.
Priced at £249.95 DCC ready and £389.95 DCC sound-fitted, release is currently slated for late 2024/early 2025.
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