Heljan 8603

British Rail Class 86 86233 Virgin Trains West Coast Alstom Heritage

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

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery