61653 HTAFC
Veteran Member
AC EMU models in OO are like buses... wait ages for one, and then two come along at once!
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Ted633
Member
- Joined
- 15 Mar 2018
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- 571
Accurascale announce a new Class 60
www.accurascale.com
KMRC also have some weekend bargains on some electric locos and units.
Moving Mountains - Announcing The Accurascale Class 60 In OO/4mm
With our Class 66 now arriving with customers, and the first batch of our Class 31 on the high seas and nearing their destination, it's time to announce our next Diesel locomotive in OO/4mm to join our range; the Class 60. Our Class 60 signals the return to the products of Loughborough and take...
www.accurascale.com
KMRC also have some weekend bargains on some electric locos and units.
Iskra
Established Member
I can’t get behind another 60 so soon after another manufacturer has released one. It’s a waste of production slots that could have been used on something more interesting/necessary.
Class15
Established Member
So now we have 3 different manufacturers making high quality 60s? I’ll stick with Hornby on this one thanks.Accurascale announce a new Class 60
Moving Mountains - Announcing The Accurascale Class 60 In OO/4mm
With our Class 66 now arriving with customers, and the first batch of our Class 31 on the high seas and nearing their destination, it's time to announce our next Diesel locomotive in OO/4mm to join our range; the Class 60. Our Class 60 signals the return to the products of Loughborough and take...
KMRC also have some weekend bargains on some electric locos and units.
Ted633
Member
- Joined
- 15 Mar 2018
- Messages
- 571
Reading what's been posted on RMWeb, Accurascale already has the 60 well in development when Cavalex announced theirs. Had also informed them that they had one in development, however Cavalex hadn't reciprocated that!
Islineclear3_1
Established Member
I have just remembered that I had a couple of Accurascale Class 30's on order but this may have been with the now closed-down Hatton's store. I have tried to pre-order from Rails of Sheffield but their online catalogue entries are greyed out and thus, I can't preorder. Same with KMRC
Have I missed something?
Have I missed something?
Iskra
Established Member
You’re probably best contacting Accurascale themselves
reddragon
Established Member
AS told everyone that all Hattons orders transferred over to direct from AS
61653 HTAFC
Veteran Member
Though IIRC this didn't happen automatically, and customers had to activate them. I'd already reordered from elsewhere by the time the transfer was announced.
Islineclear3_1
Established Member
AS have informed me that they'll honour my order if I screenshot across my original order - which I've done. Fingers crossed....
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Iskra
Established Member
Today Cavalex have announced another batch of Class 56’s and Bachmann have an announced an all-new class 08, with a stay-alive fitted as standard which I think is brilliant.
Hornby have announcement coming on Wednesday.
Hornby have announcement coming on Wednesday.
61653 HTAFC
Veteran Member
The new 08s look fantastic... and a shunter is the ideal application for their auto coupler system. Hopefully it won't be stupidly expensive!
Its only available on the Sound fitted Deluxe models
GatwickDepress
Established Member
The new shunter looks absolutely phenomenal. Almost makes me regret not going with 00 gauge!
Iskra
Established Member
Ie, the stupidly expensive ones.
There’s still time for Accurascale to announce an 08 yet though…
The inital release doesn't mean that future runs will not have a cheaper version with the auto uncoupler fitted. It does need to be a decoder fitted loco.
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
If you want a cure for insomia watch Hornbys announcement today - no new toolngs, a smoke generator W1 10000, a Railroad Grand Central HST (no buffers), Drax biomass wagons and Railroad Procur PVA plus waffle about updates to their latest contol system. And it was late like their products.
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Iskra
Established Member
Yes, that is a rather underwhelming announcement, although interesting that the majority is modern image(ish). From a quality and finish perspective the GC HST looks better than railroad quality.
222meridianlad
Member
Hello everyone, Long time off the forums but I have returned to ask a quick question, does anyone know what the ETA of the Dapol N Gauge Class 221 is? I bought one last year just before the original release date but it's now just under a year late, anyone have any ideas?
Islineclear3_1
Established Member
December 2024
Iskra
Established Member
Heljan have announced a batch of 153's and 155's in 00 gauge at a fairly reasonable price in my opinion (at the retailers at least). Great news for them and the modeller. I've gone for a regional rail 153.
Bad news for Hornby, who lose two models to a competitor in one fell swoop, I'm not sure how relevant they are going to remain at this rate.
www.heljan.co.uk
Bad news for Hornby, who lose two models to a competitor in one fell swoop, I'm not sure how relevant they are going to remain at this rate.
Colourful Class 153s!
Improved engineering samples of the Heljan O gauge Class 153 arrived in the UK for review last month and livery artwork has just been a
www.heljan.co.uk
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- Ben Jones
- Apr 18
- 2 min read
Colourful Class 153s!
PRODUCT UPDATE
Skateboard, Dogbox, Tin Rocket – call them what you like but Class 153s have been a familiar part of the UK railway scene for more than 30 years. Reaching almost every corner of the network, from Penzance to the Highlands of Scotland and Fishguard to Lowestoft, they are one of the few ‘go anywhere’ trains and the perfect single vehicle train for any layout.
Updated and improved engineering samples of the O gauge Class 153 arrived in the UK for review last month and livery artwork has just been approved. Factory decorated samples are expected for review over the summer. Please note that these are not complete samples (for example, no rivet detail was included on the original sample!) and are subject to modification and improvement before production starts.
Based on original research and extensive assistance from Porterbrook Leasing, the HELJAN Class 153 is packed with desirable features that will make it a ‘must have’ for modellers of the BR Sectorisation era and post-1994 privatisation period.
- Eight separately switchable lighting functions in DCC mode
- Saloon interior and cab lights
- Tail lights and headlights with day/night settings
- Illuminated destination blinds
- Bodyside door locking indicator lights and illuminated door buttons
- Original/revised headlight units, according to period and livery
Other standard features will include the myriad rivets and panel lines typical of the British Leyland derived body design, fine underframe and bogie details plus...
- Factory fitted speaker on all models
- Detachable BSI auto-couplers
- Optional magnetic coupling bars
- Detachable snowploughs
- Fully detailed interior with separately fitted seats, tables and partitions
- Detailed cab interiors
- Optional NRN radio roof pods
- Authentic variations to underfloor radiator grille mesh
- Smooth, reliable and discreet power bogie
All models will be offered DCC Ready with an easy-to-access 21-pin decoder interface or with factory fitted DCC and sound, taking full advantage of all the sound and lighting features this offers. Decoration will be the icing on the cake for these superb models, featuring a wealth of detail based on original livery diagrams sourced from train operators and detailed research of the prototype. The first batch of liveries will be...
HELJAN ‘O’ GAUGE CLASS 153 – BATCH 1
#53201 Regional Railways 153301 DCC READY
#53203 Regional Railways 153301 DCC SOUND
#53241 EMT Stagecoach 153311 DCC READY
#53243 EMT Stagecoach 153311 DCC SOUND
#53251 Northern ‘Swoosh’ 153351 DCC READY
#53253 Northern ‘Swoosh’ 153351 DCC SOUND
#53271 Transport for Wales Grey/Red 153906 DCC READY
#53273 Transport for Wales Grey/Red 153906 DCC SOUND
#53291 London Midland City 153356 DCC READY
#53293 London Midland City 153356 DCC SOUND
GM7240701 GWR Green 153380 DCC READY – GAUGEMASTER COLLECTION
GM7240721 GWR Green 153380 DCC SOUND – GAUGEMASTER COLLECTION
Suggested Retail Price (SRP) for DCC Ready models is £399.00 or £519.00 with factory-fitted DCC and authentic sound. Delivery of this exciting addition to our range is now expected in Q1 2025. Look out for more updates soon or come and see us at Model World Live at the NEC Birmingham on April 27/28.
In the meantime, whet your appetite with eight minutes of Class 153s in action across the British Rail network in recent years and start planning those layouts to make the most of what the new HELJAN model will offer!
Thanks for the heads up. EMT and TfW ones maybe on the cards for me.Heljan have announced a batch of 153's and 155's in 00 gauge at a fairly reasonable price in my opinion (at the retailers at least). Great news for them and the modeller. I've gone for a regional rail 153.
Bad news for Hornby, who lose two models to a competitor in one fell swoop, I'm not sure how relevant they are going to remain at this rate.
Colourful Class 153s!
Improved engineering samples of the Heljan O gauge Class 153 arrived in the UK for review last month and livery artwork has just been a
Bertone
Member
Had an email today from Hornby, saying they are going to increase their prices from 1st September.
61653 HTAFC
Veteran Member
No mention of 155s on that link that I could see, just 153s... and I'm not sure an estimated £399 for DCC ready is "fairly reasonable" for a single-car DMU. Your mileage may vary of course. EDIT- Those prices are for the O gauge version... never mind! That's not too bad, I suppose.Heljan have announced a batch of 153's and 155's in 00 gauge at a fairly reasonable price in my opinion (at the retailers at least). Great news for them and the modeller. I've gone for a regional rail 153.
Bad news for Hornby, who lose two models to a competitor in one fell swoop, I'm not sure how relevant they are going to remain at this rate.
Colourful Class 153s!
Improved engineering samples of the Heljan O gauge Class 153 arrived in the UK for review last month and livery artwork has just been a
Of course if Hornby do suffer as a result they've only themselves to blame. The 155 they offer is just a reissue of the old Dapol model, which has no working lights and old-fashioned goalpost couplers. Their 153 is a little better, and it always baffled me that they didn't adapt that tooling to offer an improved 155 instead of the very dated and toy-like version they do offer. Putting it in a fancy glossy box will only go so far!
Iskra
Established Member
Apologies, there seems to be some mix in that article of O gauge and OO gauge, those are the O gauge prices you quoted. Try the below article instead! £169/254 are the OO gauge prices
Heljan OO Class 155 DMU Engineering Sample Revealed
Heljan have announced a newly tooled high-specification range of Class 153 and Class 155 'Super Sprinter' diesel multiple units in OO Gauge! Pre-order now.
railsofsheffield.com
Heljan Announce OO Class 153/ 155 Super Sprinters
Posted by Jack Morgan on August 14, 2024
slide 2 of 9
Heljan have announced a newly tooled high-specification range of Class 153 and Class 155 'Super Sprinter' diesel multiple units in OO Gauge!
With calls for a high specification, high quality ‘OO’ Class 153 (and 155) growing all the time, HELJAN has responded with an outstanding new model that will set new standards for detail and high-end features. Based on their highly regarded O gauge Class 153 (due Q1 2025), the new OO model will feature a similar specification with class-leading detail and lighting/sound features.
Based on original research and extensive assistance from Porterbrook Leasing, the HELJAN Class 153 is packed with desirable features that make it a ‘must have’ for modellers of the BR Sectorisation era and post-1994 privatisation period. Working engineering samples are expected to arrive in the UK for assessment in autumn 2024.
And, reversing the modifications made by BR to create the Class 153s in the early-1990s, Heljan have used the ‘153’ as a basis for an all-new BR/Leyland Class 155 ‘Super Sprinter’, filling a significant gap in the second generation DMU fleet. Full details about the Class 155 will be unveiled later, but its specification will be ver0y similar to the Class 153. Two-car units will be offered in original Provincial Services ‘Sprinter’, West Yorkshire PTE Red/Cream (original and revised livery) and Northern liveries.
We expect the Class 153s to arrive during Q3 2025 and the Class 155s to arrive between Q3 and Q4 2025.
Class 153 Single Car DMU - Pre-Order Now
Class 153 Single Car DMU 153301 Regional Railways
£199.00
£169.15
See Product
Class 153 Single Car DMU 153301 Regional Railways - DCC Sound
£299.00
£254.15
See Product
Class 153 Single Car DMU 153311 Stagecoach East Midlands Trains
£199.00
£169.15
See Product
Class 153 Single Car DMU 153311 Stagecoach East Midlands Trains - DCC Sound
£299.00
£254.15
See Product
Class 153 Single Car DMU 153351 Northern ‘Swoosh’
£199.00
£169.15
See Product
Class 153 Single Car DMU 153351 Northern ‘Swoosh’ - DCC Sound
£299.00
£254.15
See Product
Class 153 Single Car DMU 153906 Transport for Wales Grey/Red
£199.00
£169.15
See Product
Class 153 Single Car DMU 153906 Transport for Wales Grey/Red - DCC Sound
£299.00
£254.15
See Product
Class 153 Single Car DMU 153356 London Midland City
£199.00
£169.15
See Product
Class 153 Single Car DMU 153356 London Midland City - DCC Sound
£299.00
£254.15
See Product
Class 153 Single Car DMU 153380 GWR Green
£199.00
£169.15
See Product
Class 153 Single Car DMU 153380 GWR Green - DCC Sound
£299.00
£254.15
See Product
Class 155 2-car DMU - Pre-Order Now
Class 155 2 Car DMU 155301 Provincial Sprinter
£299.00
£254.15
See Product
Class 155 2 Car DMU 155301 Provincial Sprinter - DCC Sound
£399.00
£339.15
See Product
Class 155 2 Car DMU 155324 Provincial Sprinter
£299.00
£254.15
See Product
Class 155 2 Car DMU 155324 Provincial Sprinter - DCC Sound
£399.00
£339.15
See Product
Class 155 2 Car DMU 155344 West Yorkshire PTE Red/Cream/Yellow
£299.00
£254.15
See Product
Class 155 2 Car DMU 155344 West Yorkshire PTE Red/Cream/Yellow - DCC Sound
£399.00
£339.15
See Product
Class 155 2 Car DMU 155345 West Yorkshire PTE Revised Red/Cream
£299.00
£254.15
See Product
Class 155 2 Car DMU 155345 West Yorkshire PTE Revised Red/Cream - DCC Sound
£399.00
£339.15
See Product
Class 155 2 Car DMU 155346 Northern
£299.00
£254.15
See Product
Class 155 2 Car DMU 155346 Northern - DCC Sound
£399.00
£339.15
See Product
Product Features
Highly detailed model with separately fitted parts
Fully detailed interior with separately fitted seats, tables and partitions
Accurate tooling variations for both 153 and 155 units and differences between class members including headlight units, gangway end doors, underfloor radiator grille meshes and more
Detailed standard and ‘micro cab’ interiors
Optional NRN radio roof pods
Optional Snowploughs
Digital & Sound capability - 21-pin socket via easy-access area with factory fitted speaker
(Factory fitted DCC sound models available which include route specific station announcements)
Smooth, reliable and discreet low-profile motor driving all axles (Class 153) or DMSL car (Class 155)
Kinematic BSI auto-couplers
Kinematic Close-coupling mechanisms
Eight separately switchable lighting functions in DCC mode:
- Saloon interior & cab lights
- Taillights & Headlights with day/ night settings
- Illuminated destination blinds
- Bodyside door locking indicators & illuminated door buttons
Class 153 Prototype Information
Image by Rept0n1x
The British Rail Class 153 "Super Sprinters" are single-coach railcars, converted from existing two-car Class 155 diesel multiple units. They were intended for use on rural and lesser used branch lines where passenger numbers do not justify longer trains, or to boost the capacity on trains to enable higher passenger volumes than a single two-car unit. Having been converted from existing 155s, the 153s feature an unusual smaller cab at one end, giving the vehicle an asymmetrical look. When working in multiple this end of the vehicle is often not on the leading end of the train.
The fleet have seen use with all manner of operators across most of England, Wales and now Scotland. ScotRail currently intend to use the fleet as "Active Travel Carriages" providing more space for bicycles and leisure equipment on their highland services - for this purpose some of the class have been refitted with a different interior layout.
(Information provided via Wikipedia)
Class 155 Prototype Information
Image by Steve Jones
The British Rail Class 155 is a diesel multiple unit passenger train. These DMUs were built by Leyland Bus at Workington (incorporating some Leyland National bus components) between 1987 and 1988 as part of BR's replacement of its ageing first-generation diesel fleet. 42 units were originally built, of which only 7 remain; the other 35 units were converted to Class 153 railcars. The fleet was part of the "Super Sprinter" build, the other part of which was the Class 156 fleet - though only the latter carried the "Super Sprinter" branding.
They were manufactured by British Leyland, who used similar construction techniques to those used on the more basic Pacer railbuses. The Class 155 was introduced to service at a rapid rate, despite the presence of some teething issues with the type. The type is currently operated solely by Northern Trains. They were previously frequently seen on Manchester Victoria to Leeds services but, as of 2019, the Class 155s are allocated to Hull and mostly operate routes in Yorkshire.
(Information provided via Wikipedia)
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
Lots of alarming behaviour from Hornby recently, they've cancelled an Era 1 model too. Although they really haven't helped themselves.
61653 HTAFC
Veteran Member
Thanks... or perhaps I should be angry as I've now pre-ordered one. Went for the sound fitted WYPTE one, too!Apologies, there seems to be some mix in that article of O gauge and OO gauge, those are the O gauge prices you quoted. Try the below article instead! £169/254 are the OO gauge prices
Heljan OO Class 155 DMU Engineering Sample Revealed
Heljan have announced a newly tooled high-specification range of Class 153 and Class 155 'Super Sprinter' diesel multiple units in OO Gauge! Pre-order now.
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
Lots of alarming behaviour from Hornby recently, they've cancelled an Era 1 model too. Although they really haven't helped themselves.
Being honest, I don't think it would be a big loss if Hornby collapsed. They may be the most established name in the game, but once someone has their foot in the door of the hobby they learn very quickly that pretty much every other brand is better. If Hornby disappeared tomorrow the only real loss would be the starter sets, but Bachmann offer sets too and there's nothing to stop one of the other manufacturers from filling the void.
Iskra
Established Member
Wow, very nice! As much as I like a 155 and they are distinctively West Yorkshire, I decided to be sensible and go for the cheaper but more geographically widespread DCC Sound Regional Railways Class 153. The WYPTE 158's and 144's didn't seem to sell so well, so there's a possibility of a good deal on a 155 later on.
I agree. They've been slowly attacked from all sides over the last few years and they've done barely anything to respond positively on any front. Only express steam engine fans would be seriously concerned, and that's probably a declining market as the numbers who remember those on the mainline decline, and even Dapol are weighing in there now with their Black Label A4.
61653 HTAFC
Veteran Member
You're probably right to hold back, but if nobody pre-orders then the whole thing could be shelved. Someone has to bite the bullet early!
Not to nitpick too much but it seems odd for Heljan to offer only a 153/9 in TfW livery, as it'll be unprototypical for it to run solo. Suppose the PRM'ed ones would need more changes to the design though, such as the toilet moving to the 'big cab' end. Though I haven't actually seen one in the flesh, so I'm not au fait with what changes would be needed.
Hornby have just rested on their laurels too much, and assumed that because they're the "go-to" name for beginners they don't have to try too hard. The TV documentaries have probably been a distraction too, and they've wasted time and money on getting licensing agreements for daft projects like the Coca Cola wagons and Beatles train packs... then there was the Titfieldgate debacle, which was either down to arrogance or incompetence, or a combination of the two.
Even things like the Railroad budget range have been woefully mis-handled. The concept was sound, but there's been no consistency with what models get put in which range. The aforementioned Dapol 155 should have been a Railroad model only, along with the various ex-Lima designs... but it was packaged up as if it was a high spec model.
Having seen the quality of the O gauge one at Warley last year, one of the GWR examples might have slipped into my account night on Pre-Order. Now, I really like the LondonMidland livery... do I replace my Hornby twins and have these two renumbered as 325/333Heljan have announced a batch of 153's and 155's in 00 gauge at a fairly reasonable price in my opinion (at the retailers at least). Great news for them and the modeller. I've gone for a regional rail 153.
Bad news for Hornby, who lose two models to a competitor in one fell swoop, I'm not sure how relevant they are going to remain at this rate.
Colourful Class 153s!
Improved engineering samples of the Heljan O gauge Class 153 arrived in the UK for review last month and livery artwork has just been a
Unlike Hornby, it's also nice to see Helena paying attention to detail with these too - a question was raised as to whether they'd incorporate the modifications that the GWR examples had - No cab footsteps, Handrails and NRN pods, they replied that they are well aware of these and will incorporate these into the models. Nice!
Iskra
Established Member
Excellent! Hopefully they can model one of the Network Rail 153’s in the future, most modern layouts would be able to justify one, whatever size they are and test trains have been popular recently.
If you’ve not see the O gauge pre-prediction model yet by the way, here it is. Already it captures the face of the prototype a lot more than Hornby’s effort certainly does.
*ps, rivets to be made far more prominent and this was a first edition model.
*ps, rivets to be made far more prominent and this was a first edition model.
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