Heljan 7705

Tooling

Heljan introduced its OO gauge model of the British Rail Class 77 (also known as EM2) in 2013. These locomotives were iconic 1.5kV DC Co-Co electrics built in the early 1950s for the Woodhead route between Manchester and Sheffield. Heljan’s tooling aimed to deliver a highly detailed, ready-to-run representation of these distinctive locomotives, which had previously been underserved in RTR form.

Tooling Features

• Construction: Combination of plastic and metal components for durability and weight
• Detailing:
  • Factory-fitted separate details including handrails, lamp irons, horns
  • Etched side grilles and roof piping
  • Cross-arm pantograph and roof-mounted electrical equipment
  • Glazed cab windows with wipers and interior detail
  • Bufferbeam detail supplied in a separate detailing pack
• Couplings: NEM pockets with tension-lock couplers; cosmetic screw-link couplings included

Mechanical & Electrical Specification

• Motor & Drive: Centrally mounted motor driving all axles via a heavy-duty chassis
• Weighting: Integrated within chassis for improved adhesion
• Lighting: Directional head and tail lights (DC operation)
• Power Collection: Standard 2-rail DC

DCC Capability

• Socket: 21-pin DCC-ready interface
• Sound Provision: Space for speaker pre-fitted in chassis

Liveries Produced

Heljan offered several authentic British Rail liveries, including:

• BR black with early emblem (c.1949–1957)
• BR green with late crest (c.1957–1972)
• BR electric blue (c.1959–1968)

Many were released as limited editions through Olivia’s Trains, often named after the original locomotives such as Electra, Ariadne, and Pandora.

Reviews & Commentary

The Class 77 model was praised for its impressive detailing and accurate body shape, though some enthusiasts noted minor discrepancies compared to prototype photos. Mechanically, the model was generally regarded as a smooth and powerful runner, capable of handling prototypical loads. Social media and forum discussions highlighted its appeal to Woodhead Line enthusiasts, while some criticism focused on premium pricing and occasional QC issues.

Interesting Notes

• The tooling marked the first high-spec RTR model of the Class 77 in OO gauge.
• These locomotives were originally intended for express passenger work but ended their BR careers in 1968 before moving to the Netherlands as NS Class 1500.

Summary

Heljan’s Class 77 tooling combined robust engineering with fine detailing, making it a standout choice for modellers of BR’s electrified Woodhead route. With DCC readiness, authentic liveries, and strong mechanical performance, it remains a sought-after model among collectors and enthusiasts.

Class & Prototype

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

British Railways transformed Britain's fragmented rail network into a unified national system following nationalisation on 1st January 1948. Created from the "Big Four" companies under the Transport Act 1947, BR operated most of Great Britain's railways until rebranding as British Rail in 1965, managing over 20,000 route miles and inheriting nearly 20,000 locomotives of diverse designs.

The organisation pioneered standardisation through its revolutionary BR Standard locomotive programme (1951-1960), producing 999 advanced steam engines under Robert Riddles' direction. These included the versatile Britannia Pacifics, mighty 9F freight engines, and mixed-traffic classes that incorporated the best features from all predecessor companies. The 1955 Modernisation Plan accelerated diesel and electric traction development, creating fascinating mixed-traction operations.

Notable achievements included establishing unified locomotive classification systems, introducing distinctive corporate liveries, and managing the complex transition from steam to modern traction. BR's six regional structure preserved operational diversity whilst enabling standardisation of practices, signalling, and rolling stock that had eluded private enterprise for over a century.

The BR era represents steam traction's final flowering alongside emerging diesel technology, creating unparalleled locomotive variety. Today, this heritage remains highly popular with railway enthusiasts through extensive preserved fleets, heritage railway operations, and comprehensive model ranges from manufacturers like Hornby, Bachmann, and Dapol, making BR subjects essential for authentic post-war British railway modelling across all scales.