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Heljan Class 86

The Class 86 was ordered to coincide with the completion of the West Coast electrification to Euston. Initially they were quite problematic causing damage to the track. This was partially caused by not using a resilient drive system. Subsequently they were fitted with metalastik wheels. Helicoil springing was also fitted to about half the class to try and reduce the pounding to the track. The remainder were speed limited and confined to freight use.

Hornby first produced a Class 86, but it was the later Helicoil fitted version. As I wanted the original type, I have used the Craftsman Models conversion kit. I also added a better pantograph in the form of the Sommerfeldt Stone-Faiveley type. Etched metal numbers and Lion and Crown were from Fox Transfers whereas the flush glazing was South Eastern Finecast.

Converted Hornby Class 86

Although reasonably pleased with my efforts, I would have liked a really good model of a Class 86 as it is a key locomotive on my proposed layout. I thought the answer would come with a Heljan release.

Heljan have produced a Class 86 with a much better chassis. However, there do seem to be some body issues especially around the cab. It seems they have suffered a similar problem to their class 47 model, it's too wide! This has resulted in the two outer windows being far to wide. There is also an issue with the rake of the cab front. If that wasn't enough, the grilles on the bodyside don't seem quite right either. The version produced is the later Helicoil sprung type. This is all quite a pity and somewhat disappointing and probably rates as Heljan's worst looking model. Even though the tooling is now quite old, the Hornby version still looks 'right'! As a result, I decided to stick with my converted Hornby version.

Since Heljan's first attempt, the company announced a second go at the Class 86 in November 2018. This is a completely re-tooled version, not only addressing some of the issues of the first version, but to produce the original 'as built' locomotive. This was duly released in April 2021.

The retooled Class 86 is a much better attempt and certainly looks the part. Powered by Heljan's usual power train, it is a good smooth runner with plenty of weight to haul a prototypical train. There do remain a few issues, but are relatively minor. Starting on the roof, the bus bar should be painted red and not left in a silver metal colour. The pantograph is much better, but not convincing. The pan head flops over (as in the top picture) rather than being level. It probably would be level if touching the OHLE contact wire though. The Class 86 had many variations which are difficult to cater for and some compromises have been made with the body detailing and class numbers applied.

One let down is the lack of raised aluminium numbers and BR crest so distinctive if the prototypes. A pack containing such items would have been a nice touch, as with the Bachmann Class 85.