News

Bubble Wrap! TT Class 122s Ready to Roll

Great news for TT:120 fans! Our fabulous new Class 122 diesel railcars are now cleared for delivery from the factory following the completion of final tweaks. And that’s not all; test samples of the E24-to-Next18 DCC adaptor (the ‘HelPin’) have now been received, and final samples of the legendary Class 55 ‘Deltic’ are expected shortly for review. With so much happening on the TT:120 front and huge interest from TT fans, it’s time for a proper news round-up! Class 122 Railcars Our Class 122 Bubble Cars are now being packaged up and readied for their journey from the Far East. Decorated samples of the two outstanding liveries (BR Blue/Grey and Regional Railways), with improved ‘flush’ cab ends, have been approved, and all seven liveries will be delivered together in late October 2026. Manufacture of the chassis was slightly delayed after our factory rejected a small batch of motors received from its specialist supplier following extensive testing ahead of delivery. This issue has now been fully resolved. All liveries are available to pre-order now for just £124.98 at https://heljan.com/collections/class-122-tt. Pre-programmed ESU LokPilot and LokSound E24 DCC decoders are now available to pre-order, offering ‘plug-and-play’ conversion to DCC and authentic Class 122 sound to make the most of the high-quality specification of these models. The combined Heljan/Accurascale team has been working hard to finesse the models with improved decoration and detailing that will deliver an even better end product for your layout! And that leads us to the next topic… ‘Helpin’ Out Our friends at ESU have just delivered test samples of the E24-to-Next18 DCC ‘HelPin’ adaptor, which will allow HM7000 users to convert Heljan TT:120 models for Bluetooth operation.  Our 'HelPin' adapter allows the use of the Hornby HM7000 decoders within Heljan TT models fitted with the E24 decoder interface. Whilst the Heljan models are optimised for use with the ESU decoders we offer, it's our way of helpin' out with those invested into the HM7000 system and choose not to use the HM7040 Legacy Dongle. DCC is like a computer system; a combination of hardware and software. The 'HelPin' adapter solves the issue of hardware and allows a connection between the HM7000 decoder and our E24-fitted locomotives. This means a direct connection between the motor, speaker and available outputs. Like all computer systems; these systems need software to drive it and the level of functionality will be dependent on the DCC program uploaded to your HM7000 decoder. The adaptor is currently being tested in our Class 55 and Class 122 samples and, once we have confirmed that it works as specified, it will be approved for production. As it is a simple wiring harness, it will not take long to complete. The ‘HelPin’ is a simple plug-and-play solution, attaching to the E24 socket on Heljan TT:120 models at one end and offering a Next18 decoder socket at the opposite end of a flexible harness. As it’s a relatively simple component, we expect to have it available to order in time for the release of the Class 122s. Pre-order yours now at www.heljan.com for just £9.95. Please note that, due to the limitations of the HM7000 decoder, it may not be possible to make full use of all the functions on the Heljan TT Class 122. Pre-order your 'HelPin' Adaptor Here   Class 55 ‘Deltics’ We have great news to share on the Class 55 ‘Deltics’, too; final samples are expected in the UK next week for testing, and we can reveal that a bespoke sound project will be ready in time for the first releases later this year. Exploiting the possibilities for crossover between Heljan and Accurascale products now that we’re on the same team, a bespoke Class 55 sound project is now being prepared for our TT:120 model. Combining superb recordings from the award-winning Accurascale OO gauge model and ESU’s class-leading LokSound Nano E24 decoder, the project will deliver those unmistakable Napier sounds, as well as the full range of lighting and stay-alive functions fitted as standard to this model. Development of the Class 55 was delayed by a small revision to the internal PCB (with thanks to ESU), changes to the decoration, and tooling improvements to correct the hatches on top of the nose ends. However, all changes are now approved and, once we’ve tested the latest samples in every possible configuration, they will be approved for production. No fewer than TEN liveries are available to pre-order now for just £124.98 each at https://heljan.com/collections/class-55. Pre-programmed ESU LokPilot and LokSound E24 decoders for the models will also be available to order shortly at www.heljan.com. Look out for more information very soon! And Finally, Let's Make Our Mark (II)... Those fabulous ‘Deltics’ really need something suitable to pull, and we’re working on it! Over recent months, we’ve been working to improve and finalise the design of a comprehensive family of TT:120 BR Mk2z/Mk2a coaches, previously announced as a retailer exclusive. The image above shows the extensive re-work of the original design, with our 3D scan and Heljan CAD overlaid, the incorrect areas are highlighted in yellow and orange, ready to be improved by Heljan. We're nearly there - so look out for a full update soon! The range will include five vehicle types (BSO, BSO(T), TSO, FK and BFK) in a wide range of classic and contemporary liveries to suit both the Heljan Class 55 and a wide range of other locomotives used across all BR regions. Our policy is only to formally announce projects when the tooling is complete and we can show you physical samples, so you can rest assured that the money has been spent and the project will go ahead. When we have the samples, you will be able to pre-order!