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Heljan 19402

AEC Railcar BR Crimson/Cream Grey Roof

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

Prototype Eras
Era 3 (1923 to 1947) The Big Four (LNER, LMS, GWR and SR)
Era 4 (1948 to 1956) British Railways Early Crest

Manufacturer description

The GWR pioneered the use of diesel railcars for passenger traffic in the 1930s, and their numbers gradually increased with batches from different manufacturers. However, the most numerous variant was the batch built in 1940-42 with its distinctive angular 'razor edge' bodywork. Employed on branch lines and local services, they were the perfect single vehicle passenger train and continued to provide sterling service until replaced by BR DMUs in the early-1960s.

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 model of the GWR AEC Diesel Railcar W21W is a OO gauge model depicting a vehicle from the 1930s. It features a BR crimson and cream livery with a light grey cab roof. The model is DCC ready with a 21-pin socket, allowing for digital control. It has a length of 250mm and is compatible with NEM couplings.

The model includes a number of features, including directional and interior lighting, sprung buffers, and a 21-pin DCC interface. The specifications of the model are based on the real-life GWR AEC Diesel Railcar, which was built by AEC and GWR Swindon Works between 1940 and 1942. A total of 14 of these vehicles were produced.

The real-life GWR AEC Diesel Railcars were used for local passenger services in the 1940s and 1950s, and were eventually replaced by BR DMUs in the early 1960s. The model is a representation of one of these vehicles, which was part of the 19-33 number series.