Heljan are producing a newly tooled range of Class 153 single-car diesel multiple units in O gauge!
Pushing O gauge into the 1990s and towards the modern day, these new models will feature an incredible specification with beautiful detailing and many advanced lighting features for excellent 'play value'!
These ground-breaking models will set a new benchmark for modern image O gauge and give second generation diesel units a long-awaited ready-to-run debut in this scale. They open up endless possibilities for modelling the late-BR and Privatisation era and offer the ideal vehicle for layouts small and large. With features including factory fitted speakers, illuminated door locking and door button lights, cab and saloon interior lighting, prototypical headlight units, fully detailed interiors, optional obstacle deflectors and detailed BSI couplers, there's a huge amount to enjoy on these superb models. Bespoke sound projects include route-specific announcements to suit each livery and their destinations (DCC Sound models) - including what we believe are the first ever bilingual announcements (Welsh and English) on the Transport for Wales model. Six liveries are now available to order for Batch 1, all with DCC Ready and DCC Sound options.
These new Class 153s are currently slated for release during Q3/4 2025. These improved decorated samples shown here give you a great indication as to how the final models will look. Production is nearly complete and the models are set to ship to the UK imminently!
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Product Features:
Highly detailed model with many separate parts including gangway connectors, NRN pods, wipers, footsteps, vents and much more
Fully detailed interior with seating, tables , partitions, cab detail and more
Powerful & reliable low-profile motor powering one bogie - with all-wheel pickups
Digital & Sound capability - ESU XL socket with factory fitted speaker
Eight separate lighting functions for saloon interior & cab lights, head & tail lights with day/night modes, illuminated destination blinds, bodyside door lock indicators and illuminated door buttons
Detachable working BSI auto-couplers or optional magnetic coupling bars
Detachable snowploughs
Authentic tooling variations including original/ revised headlight units and underfloor radiator grille meshes
Factory sound fitted models available
Prototype Information
The British Rail Class 153 "Super Sprinters" are single-coach railcars, converted from existing two-car Class 155 diesel multiple units. They were intended for use on rural and lesser used branch lines where passenger numbers do not justify longer trains, or to boost the capacity on trains to enable higher passenger volumes than a single two-car unit.
Having been converted from existing 155s, the 153s feature an unusual smaller cab at one end, giving the vehicle an asymmetrical look. When working in multiple this end of the vehicle is often not on the leading end of the train. The fleet have seen use with all manner of operators across most of England, Wales and now Scotland.
ScotRail currently use some of the fleet as "Active Travel Carriages" providing more space for bicycles and leisure equipment on their highland services - for this purpose they have been refitted with a different interior layout.