Heljan has revealed plans for all-new 'OO' gauge models of British Rail's second generation Class 153 single car and 155 two-car Diesel Multiple Units (DMU).
Built between 1987 and 1988, the 42 Class 155s replaced first generation DMUs, but most were later converted into single-car Class 153s with the addition of a smaller cab at the luggage ends of each vehicle. Seven Class 155s ordered by West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive remain in service with Northern, while Class 153s operate in revenue service for Transport for Wales Rail and ScotRail, the latter in active travel ‘Highland Explorer’ configuration. Network Rail also uses a small number of ‘153s’ for infrastructure monitoring duties.
Heljan's newly-tooled 'OO' gauge models are set to feature eight fully controllable lighting functions including saloon and cab lights, day and night mode for head and tail lights, illuminated destination blinds and bodyside door lock lights - plus illuminated door buttons. Original or revised headlight units will also feature along with original or modified gangway doors.
All models will feature a low-profile motor driving all axles on the powered car, 21-pin Digital Command Control (DCC) socket, factory-fitted speaker, magnetic BSI auto-couplers mounted on kinematic coupling arms, interior detailing and more.
Models will be available in DCC Ready or DCC sound fitted forms with the latter featuring appropriate route-specific station announcements for the livery and era of the model. Currently at the CAD stage of design, First Engineering Prototype (EP) samples are expected later this autumn.
Class 153s are set to appear as 153301 in Regional Railways livery (Cat No:5360), 153311 in Stagecoach East Midlands (5364), 153351 in Northern ‘Swoosh’ colours (5365), 153906 in Transport for Wales red and grey (5367), 153356 in London Midland City (5369) and 53380 in Great Western Railway green, the latter as part of the Gaugemaster collection (GM4240801).
The Class 155s are 155301 (5590) and 155324 (5591 in Provincial Sprinter livery, 155344 West Yorkshire PTE red, cream and yellow (5592) with 155345 appearing in the revised West Yorkshire PTE red and cream (5593) and 155346 in Northern colours (5594).
Class 153s are priced at £199 for DCC Ready models and £299 for DCC sound fitted examples. Class 155s are set to be priced at £299 DCC Ready and £399 DCC sound fitted. Delivery of both models is anticipated during the second half of 2025.
◘ Visit www.heljan.co.uk for more information.
