HELJAN CELEBRATES 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF CLASS 45 WITH NEW ‘OO’ GAUGE MODEL FOR 2020
All-new Derby/Sulzer Type 4 in ‘OO’ now being tooled and featuring a large number of authentic detail variations – including the first-ever specific models of ETH-fitted Class 45/1s.
No fewer than four versions are being prepared initially, depicting vacuum-braked and steam-heated locomotives in split-centre headcode condition, dual-braked, steam heat Class 45/0s with rebuilt ‘sealed beam’ nose ends and, for the first time, dedicated models of Class 45/1s with or without the high-intensity headlight fitted in their final years.
Variations will include open or plated boiler steps and roof hatches, bodyside grilles or plated panels (or a combination of both), original or modernised underframe tanks with air cylinders, optional inner sandboxes and boiler hatch covers and more.
Features include a 21-pin DCC interface, NEM coupler pockets neatly designed as part of the bufferbeams, ample provision for DCC sound installation, LED lighting appropriate to each version and separately switched cab and tail lights.
Detailed design work was completed earlier this year and tooling is in progress with first releases planned in the third quarter of 2020.
Delivered as D67 in July 1962 this locomotive was later fitted with air train brakes and electric train (heating) supply systems, though the date appears unrecorded. The locomotive was named Royal Artilleryman in March 1966 and renumbered into the TOPS class 45/1 series for ETH fitted locomotives as 45118 in December 1973.
45118 ran until May 1987, by which time HSTs had taken over many of the class' regular duties on NE/SW and Midland mainline services the locomotive was purchased privately for preservation, being re-dedicated as Royal Artilleryman by Major Bates of the 7th Parachute Regiment in 1997 and working at the Northampton & Lamport Railway through the 2000s. In 2008 the locomotive was attacked by metal thieves, stealing power cabling and damaging the generators. Transferred to RVEL/Loram at Derby for repairs the locomotive was purchased by Locomotive Services Limited in 2018 with a view to the locomotive being registered with Network Rail for mainline service in the future.