Heljan 8635

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

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

Colas Rail is a modern European railway company combining infrastructure construction with freight operations across 20+ countries. Formed in 2008 from the merger of Seco Rail and Spie Rail, the company operates diverse locomotive classes including Class 56 'Gridirons', Class 66s, and Class 70 PowerHauls in distinctive orange and yellow livery. Major projects include High Speed 1 construction, London Waterloo upgrades, and Morocco's Al Boraq high-speed line. As both a Network Rail contractor and freight operator, Colas Rail represents contemporary railway engineering excellence with over 170 years of heritage dating back to French railway pioneers.

The distinctive Colas Rail livery features a striking tri-colour scheme designed for maximum visibility during infrastructure operations. The design comprises a split-colour body with bright yellow covering the one half and vibrant orange covering the other half of the locomotive sides (approximately Humbrol 24 Trainer Yellow and Humbrol 82 Lining Orange respectively). The upper section and roof are finished in matt black, creating a characteristic angled demarcation line that cuts diagonally across the locomotive body, separating the coloured lower sections from the black upper area. Bold black "COLAS RAIL" or "COLAS RAIL FREIGHT" lettering spans across the yellow section, with the company's distinctive logo prominently displayed on the cab sides. This high-visibility half-and-half colour combination ensures operational safety while creating one of the most recognisable corporate identities in contemporary British railways, making Colas Rail locomotives particularly popular subjects for railway photographers and model railway enthusiasts seeking authentic modern prototype liveries.