Just in time to star alongside the new Class 26s on their home ground on February 25-27, the first factory decorated samples of our new O gauge Class 27s have arrived for review.
No fewer than eight versions are in preparation, covering BR green and BR blue variants from the 1960s to late-1980s. Variations within the production include two types of bogie footsteps (with original extended top step or parallel sided), locomotives with or without steam heat boilers and their associated roof grilles and water tanks, two designs of windscreen wipers and vacuum or dual braked variants.
As part of the evolution of our O gauge models, we're stepping up the quality of decoration across these new models, with lots of additional fine printed and painted details on the ends, bogies and underframe.
Please note that these are not the finished article - several small issues have been identified for rectification and some parts are missing (such as the headcode panel displays) and all will be corrected before production starts.
A wealth of fine detail includes superb cab interiors, carefully designed bogies and underframe parts, etched grilles, wire handrails and a removable engine room window on each side as per the prototype. Standard features include plug-and-play DCC capability using the ESU LokSound XL pin decoder (not included), provision for a smoke unit, separately switchable cab, tail and engine room lights in DC and DCC modes, illuminated headcode panels and a heavy duty all-wheel drive chassis with twin 5-pole motors and flywheels.
In response to expected demand, we're producing a mix of unnumbered and fully decorated locos, plus two factory weathered editions. At current rate of progress we expect the Class 27s to be available in Q3 2022, but look out for further updates we progress towards the production stage.
HELJAN Class 27 O Gauge models
#2770 BR green with small yellow panels
#2771 BR green 5370 full yellow ends WEATHERED*
#2772 BR green with cream waistband/yellow ends
#2773 BR Blue with full yellow ends (1970s)*
#2774 BR Blue with full yellow ends (1980s)
#2775 BR two-tone green D5382 small yellow panels
#2776 BR Blue D5389 small yellow panels
#2777 BR Blue 27032 with Highland Stags WEATHERED (see below)
HELJAN UK stockists report strong advance orders for all versions of this impressive new model, especially the BR Blue variants. Reserve yours now to avoid disappointment!