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Heljan 30013

LNER U1 - LNER Works Grey - 2395 - OO Scale - DCC Sound Fitted

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

Prototype Era
Era 3 (1923 to 1947) The Big Four (LNER, LMS, GWR and SR)

Manufacturer description

Exclusive to Rails of Sheffield and Locomotion Models.

It was the largest and most powerful steam locomotive ever to run on British rails and you’ll soon be able to add this monster to your collection! The LNER’s unique ‘U1’ 2-8-0+0-8-2T Beyer-Garratt was a true behemoth and our amazing articulated model will bring it to life in time for the centenary of the prototype in 2025.

No. 2395 famously made its public debut at the LNER’s celebrations to mark the centenary of the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway in 1925 and 100 years later we will celebrate this remarkable machine with a unique high-specification model that will appeal to collectors and fans of historic locomotives alike.

For 30 years, the ‘U1’ was deployed on arduous banking duties on the infamous inclines at Worsbrough near Barnsley, and Lickey Incline near Birmingham. Although not always popular with those who worked on it, No. 2395 (BR No. 69999) was by some distance the largest and most powerful steam locomotive ever to work in Britain.

Our ‘OO’ model is the result of in-depth research supported by the National Railway Museum, the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry’s Beyer Peacock Archive and the Gresley Society. We’re also delighted to be working with Rails of Sheffield and Locomotion Models to produce an exclusive edition for their ‘Railway Icons’ collection. 

Celebrating the centenary of the ‘U1’ and 200th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway opening in 1825, the exclusive model will depict No. 2395 in works grey, as it appeared at the LNER’s S&DR centenary cavalcade shortly after completion in 1925 (see below). This very special collectors’ edition will feature bespoke packaging plus DCC Ready and factory-fitted DCC Sound options and production will be strictly limited.

Using original works drawings and photographs we have created a collection of museum quality models covering the entire career of the locomotive and the various modifications it underwent over its 30-year life. These include changes to the smokebox, water tank breather pipes, coal bunker, handrails, cab and additional vacuum tanks. Also included is a model depicting the locomotive after conversion to oil firing, which saw modifications to the former coal bunker, the addition of a turbo generator for the electric headlight and associated pipework/cable runs.

Packed with authentic details specific to period and livery, our ‘U1’ will be the ultimate expression of steam power for ‘OO’ layouts and a must for collectors of historic locomotives.

 Premium Features – Delivered As Standard

• High Quality Design & Construction
• Twin Motor/Flywheel Drive
• Working LED lamps
• 21-pin DCC Interface
• DCC Ready and DCC Sound Options
• Factory Fitted Speakers
• Coal or Oil Fired Options
• Sprung Buffers
• Extensive Detail Variations
• Removable Cab Roof
• Smoke Unit Compatible
• NEM Couplings
• Separate Pipework and cable runs

Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

Here is a summary of the content, written in a neutral and factual style with British English terminology and date formats:

The Heljan LNER Class U1 2-8-0 0-8-2T Beyer Garratt locomotive is a new model being released by Heljan, in collaboration with Rails of Sheffield and Locomotion Models. This model is a limited edition, exclusive to these retailers, and features DCC sound capabilities.

The model represents the LNER's unique 'U1' locomotive, a 2-8-0+0-8-2T Beyer-Garratt engine that was the largest and most powerful steam locomotive to operate on British rails. The prototype locomotive, No. 2395, made its public debut in 1925 at the LNER's celebrations to mark the centenary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.

The model is the result of extensive research by Heljan, supported by the National Railway Museum, the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry's Beyer Peacock Archive and the Gresley Society. It will be available in 'OO' gauge and will feature a works grey livery, as seen in 1925.

The model includes a range of premium features, such as high-quality design and construction, twin motor/flywheel drive, and working LED lamps. It is DCC ready and will be available with a DCC sound option. The model will also feature removable cab roof, sprung buffers, and extensive detail variations.

The model is being released to coincide with the centenary of the 'U1' locomotive in 2025, and the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway in 1825.