Heljan 2500

Tooling

Announced in 2012 and released in 2015, Heljan’s OO gauge model of the British Rail Class 05 diesel-mechanical shunter brought a distinctive and relatively rare prototype to 4mm scale. The real Class 05 locomotives, built by Hunslet between 1955 and 1961, were primarily used for shunting duties. Their short BR careers ended in the late 1960s, but many continued in industrial service. Heljan’s decision to model this class followed its tradition of producing niche and characterful locomotives for enthusiasts.

Tooling Features

• Construction: Combination of plastic and metal components for durability and weight.
• Detailing: Factory-fitted separate details including handrails, lamp irons, bufferbeam detail, pipework, footsteps, sanding gear, and chemically blackened wheels. Fully detailed cab interior with glazing and painted finish.
• Couplings: NEM pockets with tension-lock couplers; cosmetic screw-link couplings fitted.

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor & Drive: 3-pole motor mounted in the locomotive chassis driving two axles; all-wheel pickup for reliable current collection.
• Minimum Radius: Suitable for Radius 1 curves, making it ideal for compact layouts.
• Lighting: Directional headlights and tail lights fitted as standard.
• Weighting: Integrated for improved adhesion during shunting operations.

DCC Capability

DCC Ready with a 6-pin socket. No factory provision for a speaker, but sound installations have been successfully completed using micro decoders and sugar cube speakers.

Liveries Produced

• BR black with early emblem (c.1949–1957)
• BR black with late crest (c.1957–1968)
• BR green with late crest (c.1957–1972)
• BR blue (c.1965–1990)
• Private owner and departmental variants, including preserved examples with wasp stripes.

Reviews & Commentary

The model received positive feedback for its accuracy, fine detailing, and smooth running. Model Rail magazine praised its performance and finish, noting the variety of liveries available. Some early samples had minor lighting issues, but overall reliability was strong. Enthusiasts on RMweb and YouTube highlighted its suitability for small layouts and ease of DCC conversion, though space for sound installation was limited.

Interesting Notes

The Class 05 tooling filled a gap in the OO market for small diesel shunters beyond the ubiquitous Class 03 and 08. Its compact size and ability to handle tight curves made it popular among industrial and branch line modellers.

Class & Prototype

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

British Rail (1965-1997) transformed Britain's railways through revolutionary modernisation, introducing the iconic double arrow logo, Rail Blue livery, and business sectorisation. BR pioneered high-speed rail with the InterCity 125 and Advanced Passenger Train, electrified major routes, and created profitable divisions like InterCity and Network SouthEast. From steam succession through diesel and electric development to privatisation preparation, British Rail's diverse locomotive fleet, multiple livery schemes, and operational scenarios provide unparalleled variety for railway modellers across all scales and periods.