Gaugemaster GM4240304

Tooling

Heljan’s 2024 upgrade of the British Rail Class 86 in OO gauge represents the latest evolution of its AC electric locomotive range. Building on the 2021 retooling, this version introduced further refinements in accuracy, finish, and digital capability. The focus shifted to the Class 86/2 variant, widely used for high-speed passenger and parcels traffic from the late 1970s onwards. This tooling reflects Heljan’s commitment to meeting modern expectations for detail and functionality in ready-to-run models.

The 2024 upgrade was widely praised for its exceptional body shape accuracy, crisp underframe detail, and improved decoration. Reviewers highlighted the enhanced lighting functions and robust mechanism as standout features. Forum discussions noted that the tooling addressed previous criticisms of cab profile and bogie relief, while offering a wide range of liveries appealing to both heritage and modern image modellers. Minor feedback included occasional livery alignment issues, but overall reception was strongly positive.

Video reviews from retailers and independent channels showcased the model’s smooth running and fine detail, often comparing it favorably to earlier Heljan releases and rival products. RMweb threads and social media posts praised the breadth of liveries and the inclusion of features such as cab lighting and headcode illumination. Enthusiasts described the 2024 tooling as "the definitive Class 86 for OO gauge" and a benchmark for AC electric models.

Detailing: Factory-fitted wire handrails, lamp irons, jumper cables, lifeguard pipework, and bufferbeam detail packs. Cab interiors fully painted with seating and glazing. Sprung Oleo buffers included. Cosmetic screw-link couplings supplied.

This tooling introduced two body options to reflect different eras: early 1980s versions without high-intensity headlights and later variants with headlights and Time Division Multiplex (TDM) cables. The model also featured refined pantograph tooling and improved printed decoration, including additional warning labels and data panels.

Class & Prototype

• Class: British Rail Class 86
• Traction: -
• Built: 1965-1966
• Total Built: 100

• Running Number: 86235
• Name: Novelty

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

• Operator: British Rail
• Livery: Blue
• Era: 7 - British Rail Blue TOPS

British Rail (1965-1997) transformed Britain's railways through revolutionary modernisation, introducing the iconic double arrow logo, Rail Blue livery, and business sectorisation. BR pioneered high-speed rail with the InterCity 125 and Advanced Passenger Train, electrified major routes, and created profitable divisions like InterCity and Network SouthEast. From steam succession through diesel and electric development to privatisation preparation, British Rail's diverse locomotive fleet, multiple livery schemes, and operational scenarios provide unparalleled variety for railway modellers across all scales and periods.

BR Blue, also known as Rail Blue or Monastral Blue, was introduced in 1965 as part of British Rail's comprehensive corporate identity overhaul that accompanied the rebranding from British Railways to British Rail. The colour was officially defined by British Standards BR28/6001 (airless spray finish) and BR28/5321 (brush finish), representing a dark, greyish blue tone specifically chosen to hide dirt and weathering effects well.

The livery was prototyped on the experimental XP64 train in 1964 before becoming the standard scheme from 1 January 1965. Rail Blue was applied to all diesel and electric locomotives with yellow warning panels (initially small, then extending to full yellow ends from 1966). The standardised application included the iconic double arrow logo and Rail Alphabet typeface, creating one of the most successful transport corporate identities of the 20th century.

The livery dominated British Rail operations for over two decades until sectorisation in the 1980s began fragmenting the unified appearance. Despite initial colour fading problems in early applications, these were resolved by the late 1970s when the Large Logo variant was introduced featuring extended yellow areas and full-height double arrow symbols. Rail Blue's enduring appeal among railway enthusiasts reflects its role as the definitive British Rail image during the organisation's most unified period.