We are pleased to present the first decorated samples of Heljan's newly tooled LNER Class U1 Beyer Garratt 2-8-0 0-8-2T articulated steam locomotives in OO Gauge!

It was the largest and most powerful steam locomotive ever to run on British rails and you’ll soon be able to add this monster to your collection! The LNER’s unique ‘U1’ 2-8-0+0-8-2T Beyer-Garratt was a true behemoth and our amazing articulated model will bring it to life in time for the centenary of the prototype in 2025. 

Using original works drawings and photographs Heljan have created a collection of museum quality models covering the entire career of the locomotive and the various modifications it underwent over its 30-year life. These include changes to the smokebox, water tank breather pipes, coal bunker, handrails, cab and additional vacuum tanks. Also included is a model depicting the locomotive after conversion to oil firing, which saw modifications to the former coal bunker, the addition of a turbo generator for the electric headlight and associated pipework/cable runs.

Packed with authentic details specific to period and livery, the ‘U1’ will be the ultimate expression of steam power for ‘OO’ layouts and a must for collectors of historic locomotives. We currently expect these to arrive in stock during Q3 2025.

We are delighted to be working with Heljan  and Locomotion Models to produce an exclusive edition for our ‘Railway Icons’ collection. Strictly limited quantities are remaining to pre-order, so don't miss out!

Celebrating the centenary of the ‘U1’ and 200th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway opening in 1825, the exclusive model will depict No. 2395 in works grey, as it appeared at the LNER’s S&DR centenary cavalcade shortly after completion in 1925. This very special collectors’ edition will feature bespoke packaging plus DCC Ready and factory-fitted DCC Sound options and production will be strictly limited.

The London and North Eastern Railway Class U1 was a solitary  2-8-0+0-8-2   Garratt locomotive  designed for  banking  coal trains over the Worsborough Bank,   a  steeply graded  line in  South Yorkshire  and part of the  Woodhead Route . 

It was both the longest and the most powerful steam locomotive ever to run in Britain. It was built in 1925 with the motion at each end being based on an existing 2-8-0  design. The original number was 2395, and it was renumbered 9999 in March 1946, and then 69999 after nationalisation in 1948, although it retained its cab-side plate bearing its original number throughout its life. 

The locomotive ran for some time as an  oil burner , and was tried out on the Lickey Incline  in 1949–1950 and again, after the  electrification  of its home line, in 1955. These trials were unsuccessful, and so the locomotive was withdrawn in 1955 and scrapped.