Heljan 2937

Tooling

Heljan introduced its OO gauge model of the British Rail Class 07 diesel-electric shunter in 2018. The prototype locomotives were built by Ruston & Hornsby in 1962 for shunting duties at Southampton Docks. Compact and distinctive, the Class 07 became a popular subject for modellers seeking an accurate representation of these dock shunters.

Tooling Features

• Construction: Plastic bodyshell with separately fitted details and etched components; heavy die-cast chassis for weight and stability.
• Detailing: Factory-fitted handrails, etched radiator grilles, lamp irons, jumper cables, sprung buffers, and a fully detailed cab interior with painted finish and glazing.
• Couplings: NEM pockets with tension-lock couplers; cosmetic screw-link couplings supplied.

Mechanical & Electrical Specification

• Drive: Centrally mounted 3-pole motor driving all six wheels via a robust gear train.
• Pickups: All wheels.
• Lighting: Directional head and tail lights.
• Weight: Substantial die-cast chassis for improved adhesion.

DCC Capability

• DCC Ready with a 6-pin decoder socket.
• No factory provision for a speaker, but space for aftermarket sound installation has been used by enthusiasts.

Liveries Produced

Heljan has released the Class 07 in a wide range of authentic schemes, including:

• BR green with wasp stripes (early and late crest).
• BR blue (standard and weathered variants).
• BR Eastleigh Works light green.
• Powell Duffryn blue and white.
• ICI Wilton grey and orange.
• British Industrial Sand livery.
• Army green.
• Private owner and preservation liveries, including Harry Needle Railroad Company.

Reviews & Commentary

The model received positive feedback for its accuracy, weight, and fine detailing. Reviewers highlighted the etched grilles, separately fitted handrails, and realistic cab interior as standout features. Performance was generally smooth, though some users noted minor issues with pickups and coupling mechanisms that were easily resolved. Enthusiasts praised its pulling power relative to size and its suitability for shunting layouts.

Social media and video reviews (e.g., Hornby Magazine and independent YouTube channels) commended the model’s fidelity to the prototype and overall build quality. Later batches introduced additional liveries and air-braked variants, maintaining strong interest among collectors.

Interesting Notes

• The prototype Class 07 had a top speed of 20 mph and was powered by a Paxman 6RPH Mk III engine producing 275 hp.
• Heljan’s tooling allows for versions in original and modified condition, including air-brake fitted locomotives.

Class & Prototype

Operator & Livery

British Railways transformed Britain's fragmented rail network into a unified national system following nationalisation on 1st January 1948. Created from the "Big Four" companies under the Transport Act 1947, BR operated most of Great Britain's railways until rebranding as British Rail in 1965, managing over 20,000 route miles and inheriting nearly 20,000 locomotives of diverse designs.

The organisation pioneered standardisation through its revolutionary BR Standard locomotive programme (1951-1960), producing 999 advanced steam engines under Robert Riddles' direction. These included the versatile Britannia Pacifics, mighty 9F freight engines, and mixed-traffic classes that incorporated the best features from all predecessor companies. The 1955 Modernisation Plan accelerated diesel and electric traction development, creating fascinating mixed-traction operations.

Notable achievements included establishing unified locomotive classification systems, introducing distinctive corporate liveries, and managing the complex transition from steam to modern traction. BR's six regional structure preserved operational diversity whilst enabling standardisation of practices, signalling, and rolling stock that had eluded private enterprise for over a century.

The BR era represents steam traction's final flowering alongside emerging diesel technology, creating unparalleled locomotive variety. Today, this heritage remains highly popular with railway enthusiasts through extensive preserved fleets, heritage railway operations, and comprehensive model ranges from manufacturers like Hornby, Bachmann, and Dapol, making BR subjects essential for authentic post-war British railway modelling across all scales.