Heljan have unveiled a new run of ‘O’ gauge Class 25 models for release in 2026! Following the success of the earlier batches of Class 25s and the more recent Class 24, a new batch of late body style Class 25s is in preparation to keep up with demand for the most popular liveries. 

In response to requests from O gauge modellers, the new batch of includes standard BR Green and BR Blue machines for the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s plus a selection of more unusual ‘celebrity’ machines. Included in the latter category are 25912 Tamworth Castle in its unique Blue/Yellow/Silver livery, BR Blue 25095 in mid-1980s guise with extra depot embellishments and a very late BR Green survivor in the form of 25102 with TOPS numbers and full yellow ends.Finally, for the legions of Scottish Region modellers out there they have included an ‘ETHEL’ – one of a trio of Class 25s converted as mobile train heating generators in the mid-1980s. 

Please note that this model will be powered and fitted with lights, as per all other ‘25s’ in this batch. All will be supplied fully decorated with numbers and names (where applicable). In response to customer feedback, the models have been upgraded to feature highly detailed authentic pattern wheelsets with drilled holes – as used on the new Class 24s - replacing the previous solid disc wheels. Headcode displays and decoration have also been improved to match our latest standards.

All liveries have been produced in very limited quantities and are available to pre-order now!

The Class 25 (aka the Sulzer Type 2) were a class of diesel locomotives produced for British Rail. The initial batch of Class 24 locomotives were deemed to be lacking in top speed, so the Class 25s were given uprated engines and charge air cooling which allowed them to beat the 75mph top speed of the 24s. 

Although primarily designed for freight work, a number of the class were fitted with boilers for heating passenger trains. Throughout the 1970s the class could be seen across much of the network (aside from the Eastern & Southern regions), which led to them being nicknamed "Rats". There were a number of variations present amongst class members, with the initial 25/0 type followed on by the 25/1 (which featured different traction motors and other modifications), 25/2 (which featured restyled bodywork and a different initial livery) and the 25/3 (the final batch of locomotives). 

Some of the class were converted into mobile generators for train heating in the 1980s, which were in turn scrapped by 1994.

(Information provided via Wikipedia)