Heljan 2873

Tooling

Heljan introduced its O gauge model of the British Rail Class 02 0-4-0 diesel-hydraulic shunter in 2024, with deliveries commencing in early 2025. The prototype locomotives were built by the Yorkshire Engine Company between 1960 and 1961 for dockside and yard duties where tight curves were common. With only 20 built, these compact shunters were primarily allocated to Liverpool and Manchester areas and later saw extended service in industry and preservation. Heljan’s tooling brings this distinctive locomotive to 7mm scale for the first time as a ready-to-run model, filling a long-standing gap in the O gauge market for small shunters.

Tooling Features

• Scale & Construction: O gauge (1:43.5), highly detailed injection-moulded body with a robust die-cast metal chassis for weight and stability.
• Detailing: Separately fitted wire handrails, lamp irons, wipers, pipework, door handles, etched Yorkshire Engine Co. worksplates, and a fully detailed cab interior with glazing and painted controls.
• Couplings: Screw-link couplings fitted to bufferbeams; three-link chains supplied for authentic appearance.
• Finish: Precision-applied liveries with authentic lining, printed data panels, and weathered options on selected models.

Mechanical & Electrical

• Drive System: Powerful motor with flywheel and all-wheel drive for smooth, quiet operation and excellent low-speed control.
• Weighting: Heavy die-cast chassis ensures strong traction for shunting duties.
• Minimum Radius: Designed for tight curves typical of O gauge layouts.
• Lighting: Separately switchable LED marker lights and cab interior lighting for added realism.

DCC Capability

• Interface: DCC-ready with 21-pin decoder socket.
• Sound: Factory-fitted speaker included; provision for full DCC sound installation.

Liveries Produced

Initial releases include a wide selection of BR and industrial schemes:

• BR Green (various bufferbeam colours, including weathered versions)
• BR Blue with wasp stripes
• Industrial Yellow (Arnott & Young)
• Industrial Green (‘SAM’, weathered)
• Redland Khaki (‘Diane’, Gaugemaster Collection)
• National Coal Board Pale Blue (Staffordshire Area)

Reviews & Commentary

Early reviews and social media feedback have praised the model’s exceptional detailing, robust mechanism, and smooth running qualities. The inclusion of separately switchable lighting and a factory-fitted speaker has been highlighted as a premium feature. Reviewers noted the model’s suitability for industrial and dockside layouts, with its compact size and authentic proportions making it a standout addition to Heljan’s O gauge range.

Interesting Notes

• The prototype Class 02 locomotives were fitted with Rolls-Royce C6NFL engines and hydraulic transmission, designed to replace the L&Y ‘Pug’ steam shunters.
• Seven examples of the class survive in preservation, including D2860 at the National Railway Museum.

Heljan’s O gauge Class 02 combines historical accuracy, fine detailing, and modern digital compatibility, making it an ideal choice for modellers seeking a highly detailed, compact shunter for industrial or heritage layouts.

Class & Prototype

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.

BR Blue, also known as Rail Blue or Monastral Blue, was introduced in 1965 as part of British Rail's comprehensive corporate identity overhaul that accompanied the rebranding from British Railways to British Rail. The colour was officially defined by British Standards BR28/6001 (airless spray finish) and BR28/5321 (brush finish), representing a dark, greyish blue tone specifically chosen to hide dirt and weathering effects well.

The livery was prototyped on the experimental XP64 train in 1964 before becoming the standard scheme from 1 January 1965. Rail Blue was applied to all diesel and electric locomotives with yellow warning panels (initially small, then extending to full yellow ends from 1966). The standardised application included the iconic double arrow logo and Rail Alphabet typeface, creating one of the most successful transport corporate identities of the 20th century.

The livery dominated British Rail operations for over two decades until sectorisation in the 1980s began fragmenting the unified appearance. Despite initial colour fading problems in early applications, these were resolved by the late 1970s when the Large Logo variant was introduced featuring extended yellow areas and full-height double arrow symbols. Rail Blue's enduring appeal among railway enthusiasts reflects its role as the definitive British Rail image during the organisation's most unified period.