Heljan NER/BR ‘ES1’
◆ GAUGE ‘OO’ ◆ MODEL • Heljan 1201 NER ‘ES1’ No. 1 NER lined green • 1203 BR ‘ES1’ 26500 BR black early emblem ◆ PRICE £220.00 each
◆ AVAILABILITY Locomotion Models or Rails of Sheffield Web www.locomotionmodels.comor www.railsofsheffield.com
"Anyone with an interest in Tyneside railway operations will be thrilled with these models, as they really capture the prototype’s unique character with aplomb''
Announced late last year, to some surprise, these models depict a true pioneer of electrified railways in the UK. Produced as a joint enterprise between Locomotion Models, Rails of Sheffield and Heljan, five versions are available, depicting both of the two North Eastern Railway (NER) ‘ES1’ Bo-Bos across different stages in their long careers.
Courtesy of the kind folks at Locomotion Models, we have been given a pair of samples to review, depicting No. 1 in early NER lined green (1908-1923), which is a model exclusive to Locomotion Models, along with BR black 26500, a Rails of Sheffield exclusive.
The unusual steeple-cab arrangement of the ‘ES1’ makes for an eye-catching sight, being more readily associated with Continental electric traction. But anyone with an interest in Tyneside railway operations will be thrilled with these models, as they really capture the prototype’s unique character with aplomb. Numerous detail fittings reflect the modifications made to the prototypes over the years, with our two samples presenting a pleasant contrast. NER green No. 1 carries the slightly different handrail pattern along the sides of one bonnet, a legacy connected with the bow power collectors originally installed. The position of the third rail power collector shoes on the bogies also differ between the two models.