Heljan has revealed the first CAD for its forthcoming suite of British Rail Class 73/1 in O gauge, plans of which were first announced in our January 2021 issue.
Planned features will included retractable collector shoes, diecast handrails, interchangeable headcode panels, a lighting function to replicate third-rail 'flash' (DCC switchable), powered roof fan, plug-and-play DCC capability and provision for a smoke unit.
Due customer feedback a number of unnumbered / unnamed how now been added to the initial batch bring the total number of liveries confirmed up to 16; covering BR Blue (including small small & full yellow ends, plus large logo variants), BR InterCity Executive, BR ‘Dutch’ grey / yellow, Network SouthEast, EWS red / gold, GB Railfreight blue / orange and Network Rail yellow.
Current estimated retail price for DCC Ready models will be £625.00.
Final additions and tweaks are now being made prior to the design being approved (most notably the bodyside grille height - which is due to be rectified).
For further details on the project, go to;
www.heljan.co.uk
