Heljan 2915

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 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.