Heljan 9009

Metropolitan Railway Bo-Bo Electric 12 Sarah Siddons London Transport Red

Contents

Tooling

Announced in 2015, Heljan’s OO gauge model of the Metropolitan-Vickers Bo-Bo Electric represents one of the most iconic electric locomotives in British railway history. Built between 1922 and 1923 for the Metropolitan Railway, these locomotives were later operated by London Transport until the early 1960s. Heljan’s tooling was developed to capture the distinctive character of these locomotives, including preserved examples such as No. 12 "Sarah Siddons".

The model received positive reviews in the hobby press and online communities. Hornby Magazine praised its accuracy and fine detailing, while independent reviewers highlighted its smooth running, strong haulage capability, and authentic livery application. Social media and YouTube reviews noted the impressive weight, intricate rivet and bogie detail, and reliable performance on test tracks.

Detailing: Factory-fitted separate details including handrails, lamp irons, etched nameplates, pipework, bufferbeam detail, and 3rd rail pick-up shoes. Fully detailed and painted cab interior with glazing.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: 12
  • Name: Sarah Siddons

The Metropolitan Railway "Metro-Vick" Bo-Bo electric locomotives were twenty powerful 1,200 horsepower machines built by Metropolitan-Vickers during 1922-1923 for the Metropolitan Railway's expanding "Metroland" suburban services. Numbered 1-20 and named after historical figures like John Hampden and Sarah Siddons, these elegant chocolate brown locomotives hauled passenger trains from Baker Street and Liverpool Street to Rickmansworth, where rapid three-minute exchanges transferred trains to steam traction for continuing journeys. They pioneered the world's first electrically-hauled Pullman services offering freshly-cooked meals, operated for 40 years until 1962 electrification extension rendered them redundant, and left two preserved survivors including the operational Sarah Siddons freshly repainted in 2024.

Operator & Livery

  • Operator: London Transport
  • Livery: Red
  • Era: 3 - The big 4 – LMS, GWR, LNER & SR