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

Heljan 45101

Class 45/1 D57 BR Green with Small Yellow Panels Diesel Locomotive

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

This is an all-new Class 45, celebrating the 60th anniversary of this popular class in 2020. No fewer than four versions are being prepared initially, depicting vacuum-braked and steam-heated locomotives in split-centre headcode condition, dual-braked, steam heat Class 45/0s with rebuilt ‘sealed beam’ nose ends and, for the first time, accurate models of Class 45/1s with or without the high-intensity headlight fitted in their final years. With a good selection of ‘OO’ gauge air-conditioned Mk2 coaches now available, Heljan saw increasing demand for an accurate ETH-fitted ‘Peak’ suitable to haul them.

The Class 45/1 is believed to be the largest sub-class of BR diesel locomotives never to have been available in RTR form as of May 2019. Heljan's models will fill that important gap in the BR first generation diesel fleet. The Class 45s are well known for the myriad detail variations across the class and Heljan's models will reflect that with a wide range of authentic differences according period, livery, sub-class and individual locomotives. Variations will include open or plated boiler steps and roof hatches, bodyside grilles or plated panels (or a combination of both), original or modernised underframe tanks with air cylinders, optional inner sandboxes and boiler hatch covers and more.

The models build on the research and development that went into Heljan's well-received ‘O’ gauge Class 45 and many of the fine details seen on that model have been incorporated into its little sisters. Other features include a 21-pin DCC interface, NEM coupler pockets neatly designed as part of the bufferbeams, ample provision for DCC sound installation, LED lighting appropriate to each version and separately switched cab and tail lights. The first batch will cover a broad cross-section of BR green, BR blue and special liveries from the early-1960s to the late-1980s. Production of each version will be strictly limited and early ordering is recommended to avoid disappointment.

FEATURES

• DCC Ready
• NEM Couplings
• Sprung buffers
• Exterior Details

SPECIFICATIONS

• CLASS 45
• BUILT BY British Railways' Derby Works
• NUMBER BUILT 127
• SERVICE CAREER 1960 - 1989
• REGION London and North Eastern
• PURPOSE Mixed traffic

MEASUREMENTS

• LENGTH 270mm

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 45/1 D57 is a model diesel locomotive in OO gauge, representing the British Rail Class 45 built by British Railways' Derby Works between 1960 and 1962. The model is finished in BR green with a late crest and carries the running number D57. It measures 270 mm in length, has a Co‑Co wheel arrangement, and rides on all‑wheel power pickup. The locomotive is DCC ready with a 21‑pin socket, fitted with NEM couplings, sprung buffers and separate cab and tail LED lamps, plus interior lighting.

The model is intended to depict a mixed‑traffic locomotive used on the London and North Eastern region, capable of a maximum speed of 90 mph. It features directional lighting, a minimum curve radius of 2nd radius (438 mm), and provisions for DCC sound installation. The livery includes small yellow panels on the sides, and the model is supplied as a pristine finish.

Heljan released the model in 2020 to mark the 60th anniversary of the class, offering a limited production run. The part number is 45101. The original class comprised 127 locomotives that served from 1960 to 1989. Early ordering is advised as each version is produced in small numbers.