Heljan 2590

Tooling

Announced in 2017, Heljan’s O Gauge model of the British Rail Class 05 diesel-mechanical shunter brought a distinctive prototype to 7mm scale. The real Class 05 locomotives were built by Hunslet between 1955 and 1961 for British Railways and were primarily used for shunting duties. Their compact size and character made them an attractive choice for modellers seeking small industrial or yard locomotives.

Tooling Features

• Construction: Combination of plastic and metal components for durability and weight.
• Detailing: Factory-fitted separate details including handrails, lamp irons, bufferbeam fittings, pipework, and window wipers. Fully detailed cab interior with painted finish and glazing.
• Couplings: Screw-link couplings with sprung buffers for realistic operation.

Mechanical & Electrical Specification

• Motor & Drive: Powerful 5-pole motor mounted in the chassis, driving all axles for smooth performance.
• Pickups: All wheels for reliable current collection.
• Minimum Radius: Suitable for typical O gauge curves (manufacturer guidance recommends approx. 6ft radius).
• Lighting: Directional headlights and tail lights, plus cab lighting.
• Weighting: Integrated chassis weight for improved adhesion.

DCC Capability

• DCC Ready with a 21-pin socket.
• Provision for a speaker for sound installation.
• Compatible with popular sound decoders; enthusiasts have fitted Zimo and ESU LokSound units.

Liveries Produced

• BR Green (early and late crest, with and without wasp stripes)
• BR Blue (with wasp stripes)
• Industrial and private owner schemes (including NCB green and CEGB yellow)

Reviews & Commentary

The model has been praised for its fine detailing, smooth running, and robust construction. Reviewers noted its suitability for small layouts and shunting operations. The inclusion of a 21-pin DCC interface and lighting features was highlighted as a strong point for digital modellers. Social media and forums such as RMweb reported positive experiences, particularly regarding slow-speed control and ease of sound installation. Video reviews on platforms like YouTube (e.g., Sam’s Trains and Hornby Magazine) showcased its performance and internal mechanism.

Interesting Notes

• The prototype shared its Gardner 8L3 engine with the Class 03, making sound projects easier using existing recordings.
• Heljan’s choice of Class 05 filled a niche for compact shunters in O gauge, complementing other small locomotives from competing brands.

Class & Prototype

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

British Railways transformed Britain's fragmented rail network into a unified national system following nationalisation on 1st January 1948. Created from the "Big Four" companies under the Transport Act 1947, BR operated most of Great Britain's railways until rebranding as British Rail in 1965, managing over 20,000 route miles and inheriting nearly 20,000 locomotives of diverse designs.

The organisation pioneered standardisation through its revolutionary BR Standard locomotive programme (1951-1960), producing 999 advanced steam engines under Robert Riddles' direction. These included the versatile Britannia Pacifics, mighty 9F freight engines, and mixed-traffic classes that incorporated the best features from all predecessor companies. The 1955 Modernisation Plan accelerated diesel and electric traction development, creating fascinating mixed-traction operations.

Notable achievements included establishing unified locomotive classification systems, introducing distinctive corporate liveries, and managing the complex transition from steam to modern traction. BR's six regional structure preserved operational diversity whilst enabling standardisation of practices, signalling, and rolling stock that had eluded private enterprise for over a century.

The BR era represents steam traction's final flowering alongside emerging diesel technology, creating unparalleled locomotive variety. Today, this heritage remains highly popular with railway enthusiasts through extensive preserved fleets, heritage railway operations, and comprehensive model ranges from manufacturers like Hornby, Bachmann, and Dapol, making BR subjects essential for authentic post-war British railway modelling across all scales.