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Heljan 45502

Class 45/1 45118 BR Blue with Full Yellow Ends, Orange Cantrail stripes and Square Headlight

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

Prototype Eras
Era 6 (1967 to 1972) British Rail Blue (Pre-TOPS)
Era 7 (1972 to 1982) British Rail Blue (TOPS)
Era 8 (1983 to 1994) British Rail Sectorisation

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 45118 is an OO gauge model of a British Rail Class 45 diesel locomotive in BR blue livery, fitted with full yellow ends, orange cantrail stripes and a square headlight.

The model is DCC ready with a 21‑pin socket, NEM couplings and sprung buffers. It is finished in a pristine condition, measures 270 mm in length and runs on all wheels for power pickup. Directional and interior LED lighting are provided, and the cab and tail lights can be switched separately. It is built to a minimum radius of 438 mm (2nd radius curve) and carries the manufacturer part number 45502.

The prototype locomotive was built at British Railways' Derby Works between 1960 and 1962, with a total production of 127 units. It operated in the London and North Eastern region for mixed traffic, had a maximum speed of 90 mph and featured a Co‑Co wheel arrangement. The model represents the period known as British Rail Blue (TOPS).

This version marks the 60th anniversary of the class in 2020 and is part of an initial range that includes vacuum‑braked, steam‑heated and dual‑braked variants, with optional high‑intensity headlight fittings. Production runs are limited, and early ordering is advised.