Heljan has announced that it has agreed a deal to sponsor Simon George's outstanding Heaton Lodge Junction 'O' gauge model railway. This huge 1980s period layout measures 200ft in length and 50ft across its width and is set to make its exhibition debut at the Warley National Model Railway Exhibition in November 2020.
The layout is currently under construction and the latest phase will feature in HM156 - June 2020, on sale from May 7 2020.
Heljan is the Official Traction Partner to 'Britain's Biggest Model Railway' and will supply locomotives and rolling stock to assist the railway to operate at public events while also supplying pre-production samples for display and trials ahead of their release.
Following its planned debut at the Warley Show in November, Simon George will be touring UK towns and cities with the layout as a mobile attraction. Tour dates and locations are to be confirmed.
Heljan's Kim Nannestad commented: "We've never seen anything quite like this before and we're delighted to be involved with what is going to be a unique attraction, bringing a new audience to model railways in the UK."
Layout builder Simon George added: "I want to take high-quality railway modelling beyond the traditional, specialist shows and show the British public what this hobby is about. I'm absolutely thrilled that Heljan is working with me to showcase the trains, technology and skills that make our hobby so special. Having used them for many years, I know that Heljan locomotives have the power and quality to deliver the kind of heavy-duty traction I need, hauling long freight and passenger trains up the challenging gradients of Heaton Lodge Junction."
Look out for more on Heaton Lodge in HM156 as we take a full tour of the layout. Plus you can expect exclusive online video content here on Key Model World.
