Heljan 2594

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