◆ GAUGE ‘O’ ◆ MODEL Heljan BR/BRCW/Sulzer Type 2 Class 27 ◆ PRICE £649.00 ◆ AVAILABILITY Heljan stockists Web www.heljan.co.uk

Heljan’s ‘O’ gauge Class 27 has been in the pipeline for a couple of years and, given that it fills an important gap in the range of RTR BR diesels, its arrival with stockists is a very welcome occurrence. Compact, long-lasting Bo‐Bo designs are an attractive proposition for 7mm scale layouts, especially for those with an interest in Scottish operations or with limited space – or both!

The beauty of the Class 27 is that examples also worked around London and North East England during the 1960s, so they have a slightly broader appeal than other more Scottish-centric types.

Currently offered in a variety of BR green and blue livery options, with varying warning panel arrangements, plus a fetching two-tone green version, some are supplied pre-numbered, but others are offered as blank canvases for modellers to add the finishing touches themselves.

Supplied for review is an un-numbered BR green Type 2, with full yellow ends, placing it firmly in the early 1970s era. Looking at prototype images, there are various potential identity options for this ‘27’, with either pre or post-TOPS numbers. Heljan’s tooling suite allows for a number of detail variations to be presented across the range, such as non-boiler-fitted locomotives, plus alternative cab steps and windscreen wipers.

Heljan’s revamped ‘OO’ Class 27s, released early in 2020, are fabulous models and the ‘O’ gauge version is equally – if not more – impressive. The handsome profile of the prototype has been captured faithfully, with the all-important ‘face’ looking just right to my eyes. There’s a good amount of fine detail moulded into the main bodyshell, although the texture of the cant rail grille mesh is a little shallow.

"The plucky little Sulzer Type 2 is actually quite a beast when let loose on the rails"

In contrast, the radiator side and roof grilles are rendered in etched metal and look exquisite. Below the roof grille is a highly realistic fan (powered via a small motor), while the ‘A’-shaped internal framework is depicted behind the side grilles to good effect. Separately fitted wire handrails are neatly installed to the cab sides and ends, although the latter would benefit from being painted yellow, rather than bare steel. Lamp brackets, raised beading strips and various other panel seams and details complete the package nicely. Below the footplate, the bogie frames are superb, with www.model-rail.co.ukplenty of suspension and brake gear moulded crisply. I wonder if the sanding pipes have been incorrectly fitted on this sample, as they do not align with the wheels and the support brackets aren’t able to sit in their mounting holes. The boiler tanks were not seated correctly either, so there are a few minor quality control (QC) issues at play, although they look like they can be corrected easily enough.

The headstocks are pre-fitted with an array of brake and control hoses, plus sprung Oleo buffers and footsteps complete with mesh tread patterns. The pivoting, sprung drawhooks and working screw couplings are up to Heljan’s usual high standards of appearance and performance.

Talking of which, the plucky little Sulzer Type 2 is actually quite a beast when let loose on the rails. The twin, powerful motors provide more than enough tractive effort and running was smooth and assured straight from the box. The headcode boxes and tail lights are illuminated, according to direction of travel, and the cab interiors also feature lighting that allows the superb level of detail to be admired on the control consoles and bulkheads.

3things we like

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Finely etched grilles on roof and bodyside. The side grilles also feature the distinctive ‘A’ framework behind the mesh.

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The cab interiors feature plenty of detail, with the bulkheads being a particular highlight.

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The bogie and underframe detail is extremely well rendered, with separately fitted ‘plumbing’, brake cylinders and speedometer.

Heljan Class 27 – in detail

Factfile: BR Class 27

Representing a development of the successful Type 2 Bo-Bos built during BR’s Pilot Scheme in the 1950s – which later became Class 26 – the Class 27 was also built by Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Works (BRCW). Featuring a 1,250hp Sulzer diesel engine, the Class 27 was introduced in 1961-62 and the main visual difference from its predecessor was the adoption of four-character headcode panels atop the cabs.

A total of 69 examples were constructed, with allocations initially dispersed across England and Scotland. Cricklewood-based locomotives were employed largely on freight and empty coaching stock workings around London, while Thornaby also received a batch, for freight duties around Teeside and the North East. Those sent north of the border, to Glasgow Eastfield depot, enabled steam to be displaced from the West Highland lines.

By the end of the 1960s, the entire class had become concentrated in Scotland, often working the routes from Glasgow Queen Street to Oban, Fort William and Mallaig, until replaced by Class 37s in the mid-1980s.

During the 1970s, pairs of modified Class 27s top-and-tailed rakes of Mk 2 coaches on Glasgow-Edinburgh express services. These intensive workings proved punishing for these humble Type 2s, with Class 47s taking over in 1980.

The ‘27s’ worked many other passenger, parcels and freight duties over the years, including services from Glasgow to Carlisle via Dumfries and Edinburgh to Dundee, prior to the introduction of new ‘Sprinter’ units in the late 1980s.

The last Class 27s were withdrawn in 1987, but their popularity and versatility is reflected in the fact that eight examples have been preserved.

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1: D5356 (later 27010) calls at Crianlarich (Upper) in June 1963, wearing the original green livery with cream window surrounds and waist stripe. Note the ‘T’-shaped recess in the cab side, intended for mechanical tablet‐catching equipment that was never installed. COLOUR RAIL

2: Prior to the application of Rail blue, many Class 27s gained full yellow ends and even TOPS numbers while still carrying green livery, as seen on 27001. This view was captured at Glasgow Queen Street in August 1974. COLOUR RAIL

3: 27035 retains its four-character headcode panels as it prepares for departure from Fort William, bound for Glasgow, in May 1975. The headcode panels were later replaced by a pair of marker lights. COLOUR RAIL

System builder

Other items to complement this model…

Mk 1 COACHES

A new batch of Lionheart Trains’ superb RTR Mk 1 coaches is due in 2023, with BSK, SO, SK and CK vehicle types available in various liveries. Heljan also offers a range of Mk 1 coaches in ‘O’. Price: from £199.00 each Availability: Lionheart/Dapol and Heljan stockists www.dapol.co.ukwww.heljan.co.uk

Mk 1 CCT

Heljan’s new Mk 1 CCT has just arrived, providing an ideal addition to a rake of Mk 1 passenger stock or as part of a dedicated parcels working. Price: £199.00 Availability: Heljan stockists www.heljan.co.uk

12T VANS

A wide assortment of freight stock was hauled by Class 27s, but the once-ubiquitous 12t vacuum-fitted van could also be seen marshalled with passenger stock on some workings. Dapol’s models are excellent. Price: £55.62 Availability: Dapol stockists www.dapol.co.uk

A welcome technical feature is the plug ‘n’ play nature of the DCC interface, which has been designed to accommodate an ESU LokSound V5 XL decoder with pin fitting. Full instructions are provided for DCC installation, including fitment of speakers and a smoke generator, with mounting points provided to suit ESU components.

Quality of finish is high, and each colour is applied neatly with razor-sharp separation. Class 27s in this particular ‘hybrid’ livery were often pretty grimy, so I’m excited by the prospect of weathering up one of these models, following application of suitable numbers and BR logos. These are bound to prove extremely popular and, a few QC issues aside, it’s a terrific model of a much-loved prototype.

(GD)