HELJAN are introducing an all-new version of their popular OO Scale Class 26 to fill a significant gap in the fleet. In response to overwhelming public demand since the announcement of their new O Scale Class 26/1s with twin car-style headlights for working the Far North Lines a new OO Scale model will also be released with twin car-style headlights as fitted by Inverness depot for Far North Line operation in the early-1970s and retained until the mid-1980s.

The new models are the first stage of a complete revamp of our OO gauge Class 26/1 which will also include mechanical detail DCC and electronics upgrades to meet the expectations of modellers in the 2020s.

New features include separately switchable headlights marker/tail lights cab and engine room interior lights a 21-pin DCC interface with easy access through a removable hatch in the roof plug-and-play DCC sound capability and a wealth of new details to bring the model up to the latest standards.

The Inverness locomotives will be joined in due course by a wide range of upgraded Class 26/1s covering the entire BR career of the hugely popular BRCW Type 2s from the late-1950s through to withdrawal in 1993. An upgraded Class 26/0 variant is also planned and will follow later. Details of the other new Class 26/1s will be confirmed later this year.

The initial release will feature two models depicting locomotives in typical 1970s condition and a mid-1980s machine with Inverness depot òHighland Rail emblem. Both will also feature the early style circular radio pods fitted to Class 26s to improve communications when operating over the long and isolated Far North line routes from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh Wick and Thurso.

As ever all of these models will be produced in limited quantities and based on the response to the O Scale Class 26 with twin headlights demand is expected to be extremely strong for the OO models.