Heljan HN5712 OO Gauge Class 57 601 Northern Belle Maroon/Cream

Heljan HN5712 OO Gauge Class 57 601 Northern Belle Maroon/Cream

The Class 57 is a re-engineered locomotive, rebuilt by Brush Traction, Loughborough, from redundant Class 47 locomotives. The locomotives are fitted with a refurbished EMD engine and a re-conditioned alternator, improving reliability and performance. Three variants exist, one for freight (57/0) and two for passenger operations. Each cost £300,000, about one-third that of a new-build locomotive.

The class originated in 1997 when Freightliner ordered an initial six locomotives. A further six were ordered in 1999, making a total of twelve class 57/0 freight locomotives; five class 57/6 variants were built between 2000 and 2003, and twelve class 57/3 locomotives were ordered in 2002 (extended by four in 2003) making a total of twenty-one passenger units. One prototype class 57/0 was converted with electric train heatng in 2001, to obtain orders from passenger companies.

In 2000, Porterbrook ordered a prototype passenger locomotive fitted with electric train heating.

MODEL

1:76 Scale model of a Class 57 Diesel Locomotive decorated in Northern Belle livery. This model features lots of expertly applied details as based on the prototype, a high level of body detail and excellent running characteristics.