Heljan 8645

British Rail Class 86 86401 Caledonian Railway Blue

Contents

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.

Tooling Features

  • Construction: Plastic bodyshell with die-cast metal chassis for strength and weight.
  • 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.
  • Pantographs: Accurate 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 performance.
  • Drive: All axles powered; pickups on all wheels for reliable current collection.
  • Lighting: Directional headlights and tail lights, plus cab lighting and illuminated headcodes.
  • Weighting: Integrated 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. Models were also marketed as sound-ready, supporting advanced decoder features.

Liveries Produced

  • BR Blue (as-built and later variations).
  • InterCity Executive and InterCity Swallow.
  • Network SouthEast.
  • Railfreight Triple Grey and Railfreight Distribution.
  • Rail Express Systems (RES).
  • Freightliner Green and Powerhaul.
  • Caledonian Sleeper.

Reviews & Commentary

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.

Media & Social Media

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.

Interesting Notes

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

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery