Heljan Class 33/2 (As-built version)
◆ GAUGE ‘OO’ ◆ MODEL Heljan 3378 BR Class 33/2, BR green with full yellow ends, as-built condition
◆ PRICE £199.95 ◆ AVAILABILITY Heljan stockists Web www.heljan.co.uk
"The distinctive narrow bodyshell is also impressive, with the overall profile looking spot-on and various features confirming that this model portrays an as-built locomotive''
Having initially released a ‘OO’ version of the Class 33/2 in early 2007, Heljan has now re-tooled the ‘Slim Jim’ Type 3 to boost the level of detail and offer an authentic, as-built version for the first time.
Five new ‘33/2s’ are being offered in original condition, four in various iterations of BR green livery, plus an early Rail blue version. A further six ‘33/2s’ in later condition are also now available, sporting liveries from the late 1980s and 1990s BR era. For review, Heljan kindly supplied D6596 in BR green with wraparound yellow ends.
As with Heljan’s recently revamped Class 33/0 and ‘33/1’, there are marked improvements over the original tooling, which are immediately visible. The bogies and underframe detail has been greatly enhanced from the original 2007 tooling, with greater depth and finesse to the bogie frames and suspension. Separately fitted parts like sandboxes, brake cylinders and footsteps adorn the bogies and there’s a pleasing amount of daylight visible between the fuel tank, battery boxes and the underside of the body, with pipes and conduit completing the picture.