Heljan 8652

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.

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.

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.

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. Cosmetic screw-link couplings supplied.

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

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

• Running Number: E3178

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: 6 - British Rail Blue Pre-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.