Heljan 8661

British Rail Class 86 86417 The Kingsman British Rail InterCity Mainline

Contents

Tooling

In 2021, Heljan unveiled a comprehensive retooling of its OO gauge British Rail Class 86 models, addressing criticisms of the original 2010 tooling and incorporating modern standards of accuracy and functionality. This upgrade introduced multiple variants, including Class 86/0, 86/4, and 86/6, covering the locomotive’s evolution from its as-built condition through later modifications for passenger and freight duties. The retooling coincided with growing interest in AC electrics among modellers and aimed to provide a highly detailed, mechanically refined alternative to older offerings.

Tooling Features

  • Construction: Plastic bodyshell with die-cast metal chassis for strength and weight.
  • Detailing: Extensive factory-fitted details including wire handrails, lamp irons, jumper cables, lifeguard pipework, and bufferbeam detail packs. Cab interiors fully detailed and painted with seating and glazing.
  • Pantographs: Accurate Brecknell-Willis high-speed or Stone Faiveley AMBR types, poseable but unpowered.
  • Couplings: NEM pockets with tension-lock couplers; cosmetic screw-link couplings supplied.

Mechanical & Electrical

  • Motor: 5-pole motor with twin flywheels for smooth performance.
  • Drive: All axles powered; pickups on all wheels for reliable current collection.
  • Lighting: Directional headlights and tail lights, plus cab lighting and illuminated headcodes.
  • Weighting: Integrated die-cast chassis for improved adhesion and stability.

DCC Capability

DCC Ready with a 21-pin socket and provision for a 28mm round speaker for sound installation. Models were also marketed as sound-ready, supporting advanced decoder features.

Liveries Produced

  • BR Blue (as-built and later variations).
  • InterCity Executive and InterCity Swallow.
  • Network SouthEast.
  • Railfreight Triple Grey and Railfreight Distribution.
  • Rail Express Systems (RES).
  • Freightliner Green and Powerhaul.
  • Caledonian Sleeper.

Reviews & Commentary

The 2021 upgrade received strong praise for its improved accuracy, refined body shape, and exceptional underframe and bogie detailing. Reviewers highlighted the smooth, quiet running and robust mechanism, while noting the inclusion of cab lighting and high-quality pantographs as standout features. Minor criticisms focused on occasional livery inaccuracies, such as stripe widths, but these were generally corrected before release. Enthusiasts on forums described the model as “a significant leap forward” compared to the original tooling, with performance and finish meeting contemporary expectations.

Media & Social Media

Video reviews from Hornby Magazine and independent YouTube channels showcased the model’s running qualities and fine detail, often comparing it favorably to previous versions. Forum discussions on RMweb and New Railway Modellers praised the breadth of liveries and the mechanical improvements, while debating the value of sound fitting in electric locomotives. Overall, the reception was positive, cementing the 2021 tooling as a benchmark for modern AC electric models in OO gauge.

Interesting Notes

This tooling introduced multiple body options to reflect changes over time, such as headlight configurations and Time Division Multiplex (TDM) cables. It also marked Heljan’s adoption of a 21-pin DCC interface across its electric range, aligning with industry standards for digital control and sound integration.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: 86417
  • Name: The Kingsman

The British Rail Class 86 was English Electric's pioneering 25 kV AC electric locomotive for West Coast Main Line electrification, with 100 built 1965-1966. Originally designated AL6, these Bo-Bo locomotives delivered 3,600-4,000 hp and served 56 years hauling express passenger services and freight traffic. Revolutionary flexicoil suspension modifications from 1971 transformed the class from problematic 80 mph freight locomotives into reliable 100 mph express passenger machines. Class 86s worked for BR, InterCity, Virgin Trains, Anglia Railways, and Freightliner until February 2021, with three preserved examples still hauling charter trains. Approximately 32 locomotives were exported to Hungary and Bulgaria where many remain operational.

Operator & Livery

British Rail InterCity was the premium express passenger brand that operated from 1966 to 1997, transforming long-distance rail travel across Britain. Initially launched as a marketing brand for high-speed services, InterCity became an autonomous business sector in 1982 under the sectorisation programme, operating profitable express services from London to Scotland, Wales, the West Country, and extensive cross-country routes.

The brand pioneered revolutionary rolling stock including the iconic InterCity 125 HST (High Speed Train) from 1976, which achieved 125mph operations on existing infrastructure, and the electric InterCity 225 sets from 1989, capable of 140mph but limited to 125mph in service. InterCity also developed the ground-breaking Advanced Passenger Train (APT) with tilting technology that influenced modern high-speed trains worldwide.

Distinguished by its evolving livery schemes - from Rail Blue and Grey through the sophisticated Executive livery with dark grey upper bodies and red stripes - InterCity became synonymous with quality, speed, and reliability. All day services featured buffet cars and the majority operated at 100mph or above, making British Rail one of the world's most intensive high-speed operators.

The brand was divided among multiple operators during railway privatisation in the 1990s, but its technical innovations, operational excellence, and commercial principles continue influencing modern rail services. InterCity remains hugely popular with railway modellers, with extensive ranges of locomotives and coaching stock available in all major scales from manufacturers like Hornby, Bachmann, and Heljan.

BR Mainline livery was introduced in 1989 as part of a comprehensive rebranding programme that modified the InterCity image whilst creating a neutral livery for locomotives working across multiple sectors. This livery was applied to locomotives that might operate for both InterCity and freight sectors, deliberately avoiding the InterCity brand being associated with freight operations.

The Mainline livery scheme consisted of dark grey upper body panels with beige (sometimes described as fawn or biscuit) lower sections, separated by the distinctive red and white horizontal stripe below the windows that had characterised InterCity Executive livery. Crucially, Mainline livery featured the traditional BR double arrow logos rather than InterCity branding, making it suitable for locomotives that might work freight or parcels traffic.

On locomotives, the scheme typically included a white lower body section rather than the beige used on coaching stock. Power cars and locomotives featured half-yellow front ends with black-outlined cab windows, maintaining safety visibility standards whilst providing a smart, professional appearance.

The livery was applied extensively to Class 86, 87, and 90 electric locomotives, numerous Class 47 diesels, some Class 37s, and other traction types that operated across sector boundaries. Many locomotives carried this livery only briefly before receiving full InterCity Swallow branding or being transferred to freight sectors with appropriate liveries.

For modellers, Mainline livery offers an authentic intermediate stage between InterCity Executive and Swallow schemes, representing the late 1980s transition period when British Rail was refining its sectoral branding. The livery's neutral character makes it suitable for mixed traffic operations on model railways, whilst its smart appearance maintains the quality associated with InterCity operations.