Heljan 8601

British Rail Class 86 86214 Sans Pareil British Rail InterCity Swallow

Contents

Tooling

Heljan introduced its first OO gauge model of the British Rail Class 86 in 2010, marking a significant addition to the range of AC electric locomotives available to UK modellers. The Class 86, originally designated AL6, was built between 1965 and 1966 for the newly electrified West Coast Main Line. Heljan’s tooling focused on later subclasses such as 86/4 and 86/6, which were widely used for passenger and freight duties from the 1980s onwards.

Tooling Features

  • Construction: Plastic bodyshell with metal components; chassis combines plastic and metal for strength.
  • Detailing: Factory-fitted separate details including handrails, etched side grilles, roof equipment, and bufferbeam detail packs. Sprung buffers and detailed cab interiors with glazing and seating were standard.
  • Pantograph: Stone Faiveley AMBR type, poseable but unpowered.
  • Couplings: NEM pockets with tension-lock couplers; cosmetic screw-link hooks supplied.

Mechanical & Electrical

  • Motor: 5-pole motor mounted centrally in the chassis.
  • Drive: All axles driven via a smooth-running mechanism; pickups on all wheels.
  • Lighting: Directional headlights and tail lights.
  • Weighting: Integrated within chassis for improved adhesion.

DCC Capability

DCC Ready with an 8-pin socket. Provision for a 28mm round speaker was included for those wishing to add sound.

Liveries Produced

  • BR Electric Blue (heritage scheme).
  • InterCity Swallow.
  • Virgin Trains West Coast.
  • Anglia Railways.
  • Freightliner Green.

Reviews & Commentary

The 2010 release was welcomed for bringing a modern AC electric to the OO market, but reviews noted mixed impressions. Positive feedback highlighted the smooth running, weight, and overall presence of the model. Criticism focused on aspects such as the bodyshell shape and pantograph accuracy, which some enthusiasts felt lacked finesse compared to contemporary standards. Despite this, the model filled a significant gap and became popular among modellers of the WCML era.

Media & Social Media

Video reviews and forum discussions from the period praised Heljan’s ambition, with YouTube reviewers noting strong performance and good detail for its time. RMweb threads reflected enthusiasm for the choice of prototype, while also debating fine details like cab front curvature and bogie relief. Overall, the model was considered a solid performer and a welcome alternative to older Hornby offerings.

Interesting Notes

The tooling catered for later subclasses (86/4 and 86/6) rather than the original AL6 condition. This decision aligned with the popularity of liveries from the 1980s through the early 2000s, appealing to modern image modellers.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: 86214
  • Name: Sans Pareil

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

British Rail InterCity was the premium express passenger brand that operated from 1966 to 1997, transforming long-distance rail travel across Britain. Initially launched as a marketing brand for high-speed services, InterCity became an autonomous business sector in 1982 under the sectorisation programme, operating profitable express services from London to Scotland, Wales, the West Country, and extensive cross-country routes.

The brand pioneered revolutionary rolling stock including the iconic InterCity 125 HST (High Speed Train) from 1976, which achieved 125mph operations on existing infrastructure, and the electric InterCity 225 sets from 1989, capable of 140mph but limited to 125mph in service. InterCity also developed the ground-breaking Advanced Passenger Train (APT) with tilting technology that influenced modern high-speed trains worldwide.

Distinguished by its evolving livery schemes - from Rail Blue and Grey through the sophisticated Executive livery with dark grey upper bodies and red stripes - InterCity became synonymous with quality, speed, and reliability. All day services featured buffet cars and the majority operated at 100mph or above, making British Rail one of the world's most intensive high-speed operators.

The brand was divided among multiple operators during railway privatisation in the 1990s, but its technical innovations, operational excellence, and commercial principles continue influencing modern rail services. InterCity remains hugely popular with railway modellers, with extensive ranges of locomotives and coaching stock available in all major scales from manufacturers like Hornby, Bachmann, and Heljan.