Heljan refurbished ‘Fifty'

Twin motors and nearly 2.5kg of weight makes this one of the largest and most powerful ‘O’ gauge models to emerge from Heljan. But how does it measure up?

REFURBISHED Class 50s were chosen by Heljan for its first ‘O’ gauge model of the locomotive, dating it from the late 1970s until withdrawal from BR capital stock between 1987 and 1994, allowing for the handful of preserved locomotives currently cleared for operation on the mainline.

Refurbishment arose from the poor availability of the class during the late 1970s which was as low as 40%, prompting Western Region management into taking action to rectify a host of problems with the class.

Class 50s were technically advanced when built, incorporating sophisticated electronics and a variety of innovations including slow speed control system and rheostatic braking. During refurbishment, which was undertaken at BREL Doncaster, redundant systems including automatic traction control and part of the complex anti-wheel slip device were removed. Wiring conduit was relocated to simplify future repairs, alongside rewiring with upgraded cables to meet fire resistance standards of the time.

Design faults were tackled, including revision of the cooling air intake to fix a problem where filters became quickly clogged with moist dust and oil particles, preventing air from reaching the parts where it was most needed.

Externally, the appearance of the locomotive changed and is the version represented by the brand-new Heljan ‘O’ gauge model. The distinct cut-in section at the No.2 end where the dynamic braking equipment was housed was plated over to match the roof profile. One window on each side became an intake grille and at the cab ends, sandbox filler hatches were removed. On the cab front, the headcode boxes of those locomotives not already treated, were plated over.