◆GAUGE ‘O’ ◆MODEL Heljan 3727 Class 37/0 DRS blue (early version), un-numbered ◆PRICE £669.00 ◆AVAILABILITY Heljan stockists Web www.heljan.co.uk

Although Heljan has tackled the Class 37 in ‘O’ gauge a few times before, this all-new production batch may be one of the most eagerly anticipated. For the first time, the split headcode Class 37/0 is being depicted with cutaway bufferbeam cowlings and a range of other period-specific fittings to suit the later BR and privatisation eras.

Featuring a fully re-tooled bodyshell, Heljan’s team has successfully ironed out some of the quirks of its earlier ‘37/0s’, resulting in a much more convincing overall appearance.

Eight versions have been manufactured for Heljan’s range, plus an extra unit for the Gaugemaster Collection. Customers can choose from BR blue (original and ‘large logo’), Railfreight ‘red stripe’ and sub-sector triple grey, ‘Dutch’, EWS red/gold and DRS blue, with most supplied without TOPS numbers. There’s also a version of class pioneer D6700/37350 in retro green, as it appeared from 1988 until being secured for preservation by the National Railway Museum in 2001.

Various key detail differences have been catered for in the tooling, including a choice of fabricated or cast bogie frames, standard, welded or plated-over communicating doors, highintensity headlamps and NRN aerials where appropriate.

Models were expected to arrive with UK stockists in late May/June, but Heljan kindly supplied an advance production sample for review. Wearing the original form of Direct Rail Services blue livery, complete with grey roof, this version comes un-numbered, although 37038 immediately springs to mind as a likely identity, as the prototype carried all the right accoutrements, including a set of cast bogie frames.