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Heljan 1453

Class 104 - BR Blue - M50436+M59141+M50488 - OO Scale

Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI images rather than photographs

Prototype Eras
Era 6 (1967 to 1972) British Rail Blue (Pre-TOPS)
Era 7 (1972 to 1982) British Rail Blue (TOPS)
Era 8 (1983 to 1994) British Rail Sectorisation

Manufacturer description

Class 104 3 Car DMU M50436/M59141/M50488 BR Blue Full Yellow Ends

PROTOTYPE

This much-requested and widely travelled First Generation DMU, providing the ideal companion for other HELJAN OO gauge models, including the Class 25, 45 and 47.

BR Class 104 DMU built by Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Co. for the London Midland and North Eastern Regions. CAD work is in progress and images will be released as soon as design work is complete. This model will be available in a wide range of BR liveries covering the life of the class from 1957 until retirement of the final sets in 1993.

With 302 vehicles built to six different car types, the ‘104s’ are the largest group of BR diesel railcars not currently available in ready-to-run form. The only previous RTR model was produced for ‘TT’ gauge in the late-1950s.

Although synonymous with the Manchester area and the routes to Buxton and Blackpool, the units worked across a wide area of northern England and the Midlands and towards the end of their career ventured further afield to Scotland and the south-east of England.

MODEL

The new HELJAN OO gauge Class 104 will feature a low profile mechanism powering one car per set, switchable interior and exterior lighting features, a 21-pin DCC decoder interface and provision for DCC sound. Options for factory-fitted DCC sound on all models are being investigated and will be announced separately. External features will include authentic detail variations appropriate to period and livery, a highly-detailed interior and underframe, separate handrails and sprung buffers.

The '104s' are among the most complex models we've ever developed, with a huge range of detail variations to cab ends, roofs, interiors, body details and more. The models also have a superb range of DCC, lighting and other features, including...

• Illuminated headcode panel and destination blinds
  
• Separately switchable headlamps (where fitted)
  
• Separately switchable cab lights
  
• Separately switchable tail lights
  
• Separately passenger saloon lights
  
• Factory fitted speakers in all Driving Motor cars
  
• 16/24-wheel pick-up
  
• 21-pin DCC decoder interface in DMBS car
  
• Discreet wiring between all cars hidden in gangways
  
• Super-strong magnetic couplings within each set
  
• Super-thin body shells with fine flush glazing
  
• 2x types of sprung buffers
  
• LMR or ER cab footsteps
  
• LMR or ER van doors
  
• Extensive underframe/engine detail
  
• Fully detailed interiors with First/Second Class seating
  
• Superbly detailed cab interiors
  
• Easy-to-remove bodies with retaining magnets
  
• Etched metal bogie swing links, lamp irons and water pipes
  
• Separately fitted roof vents (or blanking plates)
  
• 2-car ER Power-Trailer or NSE Power Twin options

Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

^* Class names often change over the lifespan of a locomotive, so this is not necessarily the class name used by the operator in the period modelled.

The Heljan Class 104 3 Car DMU model, M50436/M59141/M50488, is a highly detailed and accurate representation of the British Rail Class 104 diesel multiple unit. Built in the late 1950s, the Class 104 was a popular and widely used train in the North of England and the Midlands, with 302 units built for the London Midland and North Eastern Regions.

The model is a 3-car set, featuring a low profile mechanism powering one car per set, and is offered in BR blue livery with full yellow ends. The train is DCC ready, featuring a 21-pin socket, and includes a range of features such as directional lighting, interior lighting, and a highly detailed interior and underframe.

The model also includes a range of authentic details, including illuminated headcode panels, destination blinds, and separately switchable headlamps, cab lights, and tail lights. The train also features a 21-pin DCC decoder interface in the DMBS car, and a range of other features including discreet wiring, super-strong magnetic couplings, and superbly detailed cab interiors.

The Class 104 was a significant part of British Rail's diesel fleet, and this model is a welcome addition to the range of OO gauge models available. With its high level of detail and accuracy, this model is sure to be a popular choice among model railway enthusiasts.