Railway Models UK

Accurascale Limited has announced the acquisition of the well‑known model railway manufacturer Heljan, signalling a fresh chapter for one of the hobby’s most respected and innovative brands.

Under Accurascale ownership, Heljan UK will shift to a direct‑to‑consumer sales model, selling all UK units exclusively via the Heljan UK website. This approach will allow Heljan to deliver outstanding value, engage more closely with customers and offer lower prices for solid, dependable and long‑lasting models in a market that increasingly demands affordability and value for money. The strategy aims to encourage newcomers of all ages as well as seasoned modellers to add to their collections or change scales at attractive prices.

Heljan’s Danish range will remain available through retail networks across mainland Europe, and the range will expand over the coming years with new models featuring greater detail, functionality and fidelity in line with Accurascale’s philosophy.

As part of the launch:

OO gauge locomotives will be priced from just £99.95, with selected lines at £49.95.
Most O gauge locomotives will start from £299.95, with some lines below that figure.
TT‑powered models will cost from £124.94, with further investment in new releases.
New customers receive 10 % off their first order.

The Heljan website will offer the same customer benefits as Accurascale, including:

Loyalty points when customers register an account.
Free UK shipping on orders over £100.
Bundle discounts on wagons and coaches where applicable.
Up to 5 % cashback in loyalty points through our tiered system.

Modelers who had previously pre‑ordered forthcoming Heljan releases such as the Class 42 Warship, Class 44, Class 86 in OO, Class 24 in O gauge and Class 55 and Class 122 ‘Bubble Cars’ in TT will now pre‑order directly on the Heljan UK site at more attractive price points. All new Heljan British outline releases will follow this model, adding a range of well‑priced items to the in‑stock assortment in the coming weeks and months.

Accurascale aims to re‑capture the pioneering spirit that made Heljan a household name in the British market, from the revolutionary impact of the first‑generation Class 47 in OO gauge, the launch of the Ready‑To‑Run O gauge market, to iconic products such as the operating Container Crane, working traverser and 009 ranges. The sturdy construction and smooth operation of Heljan locomotives will be preserved as the foundation for future models.

Looking ahead, the plan includes:

Exciting new and innovative products across multiple scales.
Enhanced value in established Heljan OO models, incorporating upgrades in sound, digital and lighting features.
Gradual upgrading of selected Heljan OO models to full Accurascale specifications.
Significantly better value in Heljan O gauge, with lower prices and future releases featuring factory‑fitted digital sound.
Continued development of the British TT:120 market with further models.
Establishing Heljan as the market leader in Danish‑outline HO, with exciting new models and enhanced specifications already planned.

Preserving and building on a 70‑year legacy

The Heljan name will continue, building on its 70‑year heritage of serving the hobby market with innovative, robust and reliable models.

Accurascale is also pleased to confirm that Kim Nannestad and Ben Jones will remain part of the Heljan family, ensuring continuity, experience and passion remain at the heart of the brand as it moves forward.

Together, Accurascale and Heljan will focus on delivering:

Robust, reliable and smooth‑running models at highly attractive price points in OO, O and TT gauge for the UK market.
Market‑leading quality in the HO market, in line with Accurascale’s well‑known standards.

A powerful future ahead

“This acquisition is about honouring Heljan’s incredible legacy while equipping the brand with the technology, tools and direction needed to thrive today,” said Stephen McCarron, Managing Director, Accurascale. “We believe Heljan can again become a byword for innovation, value and excitement across a range of scales and markets.”

Kim Nannestad expressed his enthusiasm: “The Heljan brand has been part of the Nannestad family for 70 years, and we are incredibly proud of it and what my grandfather established, my father built and what we have achieved. We are now excited to build on that legacy with Accurascale, bring new energy and ideas to Heljan, preserve its future and become a market leader.”

Accurascale acquires Heljan and transitions brand to direct sales

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