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Heljan 19405

AEC Railcar BR Green with Speed Whiskers Dark Roof

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

Prototype Eras
Era 4 (1948 to 1956) British Railways Early Crest
Era 5 (1956 to 1966) British Railways Late 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.

This OO gauge model is a representation of a Great Western Railway AEC Diesel Railcar in British Railways green livery with the late crest. The model is DCC ready, featuring a 21-pin socket and is equipped with directional and interior lighting. It has a length of 250mm and a minimum radius curve requirement of 438mm. The model features NEM couplings, sprung buffers, and all-wheel power pickup.

The real-life AEC Diesel Railcar was a pioneering diesel railcar used by the Great Western Railway in the 1930s for local passenger services. The model represents a batch built in 1940-42, characterised by its distinctive angular bodywork. The real railcar continued to operate until the early 1960s, when it was replaced by British Rail DMUs.

The model is built by Heljan and is based on a real vehicle built by AEC and the Great Western Railway's Swindon Works. It is part of a batch of 14 vehicles, numbered 19-33, and served from 1940 to 1962.