📢 Please take a minute to read this personal message from the creator of RailwayModels.uk

Heljan 4400

Class 44 - BR Green - D6 - OO Scale

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

Prototype Era
Era 5 (1956 to 1966) British Railways Late Crest

Manufacturer description

The British Rail Class 44, also known as the "Peak" (the first of three related classes), is a legendary heavy freight and passenger locomotive. In the world of Heljan, the Class 44 is one of their most celebrated OO Gauge models because it perfectly aligns with Heljan’s reputation for "heavyweight" engineering.

It is a "beast" on the tracks, much like its real-life counterpart.

Technical Specifications

Feature Detail Chassis Massive die-cast metal chassis (very heavy). Motor 5-pole motor with large dual brass flywheels. DCC Interface Varies by batch (typically 21-pin in modern releases). Lighting Directional LED headcodes and tail lights. Detailing Etched grilles, sprung buffers, and separate handrails.

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.

Heljan Class 44 ‘Whernside’ BR Green D6 diesel locomotive, model number 4400, is supplied with a 21‑pin DCC decoder (DCC 21) and factory‑fitted speakers for plug‑and‑play sound. The locomotive is finished in British Railways late‑crest green livery and includes interior lighting.

The model represents the late‑crest period of British Railways and is equipped with six separately switchable lighting functions, a centrally mounted motor with twin flywheels, and NEM couplers. Standard components include sprung buffers, etched grilles, separate headcode discs and extensive buffer‑beam detail.

Four body variations are available: original boiler water‑tank configuration, later version without tanks, plated or open boiler filler hatches, and the experimental slotted grilles seen on D9/D10 units. All versions feature detailed cab interiors and bespoke bogie and underframe parts.

Premium features delivered as standard comprise high‑quality design and construction, factory‑fitted DCC sound, a powerful motor/twin‑flywheel drive, 21‑pin DCC interface, and full decorative detailing. The locomotive is suitable for both model railway collectors and enthusiasts of the BR/Sulzer Type 4 series.