This Prototype HSDT power car has been produced exclusively for Railway Icons by Bachmann Europe Plc.
The prototype High Speed Diesel Train (HSDT), British Rail Class 252, was devised by staff at the Railway Technical Centre in Derby. The prototype power cars were built at British Rail Engineering Limited at Crewe Works in 1972 with the Mark 3 coaches constructed at BREL Derby Litchurch Lane. After extensive trials on the Western Region, the production versions of the trains (with redesigned cab fronts) consisting of 197 power cars entered service in 1977. Initially they were only in traffic on Western Region lines, but were eventually used on the East Coast, Midland and Cross Country routes.
Until the introduction of the Hitachi Class 800 series of bi-mode trains in 2017, the HSDTs were the main stay of services on non-electrified lines. During the privatisation of railways between 1995 and 1997, 193 power cars carried the liveries of several operators before their withdrawal. These trains have subsequently undergone extensive refurbishments, with three different types of diesel engine fitted during major overhaul works. Now, after many years of service, some remain in traffic with ScotRail and GWR.
The model is currently set to arrive in stock Summer 2024
The single OO gauge power car is priced at £199.99 and can be pre-ordered now with just a £30 deposit.
Over 75% of our pre order stock has already sold! Make sure you order soon to ensure you don't miss out!
Original announcement video below:
Rails of Sheffield and Locomotion Models have joined forces to introduce a range of models which are being produced exclusively under our new brand – Railway Icons.
Locomotion Models and Rails of Sheffield have previously worked together to introduce some exciting models to the National Collection in Miniature, including some of our most popular releases: Hardwicke, D Class, Terrier and most recently the NER ES1. We are thrilled to be continuing this collaboration going forwards. Traditionally, Locomotion Models has produced models in the condition in which they are preserved in the National Collection, while Rails of Sheffield produced alternative but authentic versions as they appeared in traffic prior to preservation. The new Railway Icons brand allows us to produce models both within and outside of the National Collection that we are confident will be of interest to both modellers and collectors.
Railway Icons will work with existing manufacturers with whom we have already developed excellent relationships with over the years, and we already have several new projects in various stages of development (details of which will be released in due course). This new endeavour is in no way the end of the existing National Collection in Miniature range, so you can expect to see both ranges developed alongside one another moving forwards.
Models produced as part of the Railway Icons range will be available from retail shops at the National Railway Museum in York, Locomotion at Shildon, and from Rails of Sheffield, as well as being available for purchase online or by telephone. These will also be available for purchase from Locomotion Models’ trade stand at their various appearances at railway exhibitions throughout the year.
