HELJAN WARSHIPS: Running Session & First Look at Latest OO Gauge Release

Описание: Just delivered this week are these brand new and super detailed Class 42 Diesel Hydraulics from Heljan.

First impressions are that these models look and sound very good indeed. The microphone on my camera doesn't do the deep bassy notes justice, and I didn't have an extra pair of hands to notch up and down through the various power levels which is where the sound profile comes to life. They're heavy too and feel very well built and solid.

Both are visiting my weathering studio for detailing, crew fitting, etched plates and a polished / in use weathered finish to emulate newish locos that are hard working but looked after for express passenger services. Watch this space...

D800 'Sir Brian Robertson' in the super smart green livery represents one of the 3 prototypes built at Swindon. It differs from the main production runs in having an external frame mounted on the nose at each end to carry traditional GWR style 3 digit train indicator boards. This is supplemented by the familiar disc system found on many early BR diesel types. I have so far fitted the frame and the indicator discs but not the alpha numeric code (from period photos they frequently seemed to run like this). All are provided in the detail pack.

D832 'Onslaught' was built as part of the production batch at Swindon and featured more powerful engines and had roller blind headcode panels from new.

They were initially deployed to replace Kings and Castles on crack expresses out of London Paddington, but were soon eclipsed by the more powerful 'Westerns' and were demoted to slightly less prestigious services.