Heljan 8623

British Rail Class 86 86204 City of Carlisle British Rail InterCity Executive

Contents

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.

Tooling Features

  • Construction: Plastic bodyshell with die-cast metal chassis for strength and weight.
  • 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.
  • Pantographs: Choice of 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, powerful performance.
  • Drive: All axles powered; pickups on all wheels for reliable current collection.
  • Lighting: Directional headlights and tail lights, cab lighting, and illuminated headcodes. Independently switchable tail lights.
  • Weighting: 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. Fully compatible with advanced sound decoders.

Liveries Produced

  • BR Electric Blue (heritage).
  • BR Blue.
  • InterCity Executive and InterCity Swallow.
  • Virgin Trains Red/Grey.
  • Anglia Railways.
  • EWS Red/Gold.
  • Colas Railfreight.
  • Parcels Sector Red/Grey.
  • Special editions such as “Rainhill 150” commemorative livery.

Reviews & Commentary

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.

Media & Social Media

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.

Interesting Notes

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

  • Running Number: 86204
  • Name: City of Carlisle

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.