It's time for a quick update from Heljan on developments with their hotly anticipated OO gauge Class 104 DMU.

It's without doubt one of the most complex projects Heljan have ever tackled due to the sheer number of variations across the fleet when built and throughout their long career.

With invaluable help from our Class 104 expert, Heljan have incorporated as many variations as possible (see below) and built in a huge selection of desirable features to deliver what they believe will be one of the finest ready-to-run DMUs ever produced in OO gauge.

Tooling and deco artwork is now approved and factory decorated samples are expected during the summer. Advance orders have been incredibly strong for all versions and it's been necessary to increase the production quantities to meet expected demand. At current rate of progress, we expect most versions to be sold out by the time they are delivered. As you might expect, interest has been especially high for the BR blue 'Blackpool' and ScotRail 'Mexican Bean' liveries and we strongly recommend pre-ordering your favourite version to avoid disappointment.

To whet your appetite further, here's a preview of the livery artwork showing all nine versions. Standard features across the fleet will include...

* Authentic detail differences between LMR and NER/ER sets (bogie steps/van doors)

* Four vehicle types - DMBS, DMCL, DTCL, TCL

* Driving vehicles with/without top marker light or lower marker lights

* Six cab end variants (headcode panel or plated ends)

* Superbly detailed and decorated cab, saloon & van interiors

* Magnetic couplings with close coupling system between cars

* Easy to remove bodyshells (retained by magnets) to reduce the risk of damage to underframe parts

* Electrical connection within sets routed via discreet but flexible plugs/sockets in gangways

* Factory fitted speakers in all DMBS/DMCL cars

* Only one 21-pin decoder required per set - with easy access to socket in DMBS

* Up to seven individually switchable lighting functions (headlamps/headcode panels, destination display, cab lights, saloon interior lights, tail lights)

* Original or Oleo buffers (sprung)

* Original roof vents or post-asbestos removal plated roofs

* Finely detailed underframes authentic to each vehicle type

* Hundreds of separately applied detail parts

* DMBS car with smooth, quiet and powerful low-profile motor driving all axles

* NEM coupler sockets throughout

* Accurate bufferbeam hose/cable details