Class 121 - BR Blue - W55033 - O Scale
Out of stock
Detailed Description
Detailed Description
Thought to be the UK’s longest serving first generation Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU), the Class 121s were first introduced in 1960. Nicknamed ‘Bubble Cars’, a total of 16 Class 121 Driving Motor Brake Second (DMBS) units were built by the Pressed Steel Company between 1960 and 1961 following the same basic design of the Class 117 3-Car DMU, featuring the standard ‘Derby’ cab and high-density seating. They were similar to the Class 122 DMUs but were distinguished by the presence of the four character headcode box above the cab. The single car units had a cab at each end, plus a guard’s area and seating for 65 passengers. Where additional capacity was required the Class 121s could be coupled with other DMUs that had blue square multiple working equipment.
Delivered to the Western Region, the units were intended for use on branch lines in Cornwall and the Thames Valley. The Class later spread further across the Western Region, whilst also moving to other areas in due course, with several examples ending up with Network SouthEast following Sectorisation. Many of the Class were later repurposed for Departmental work although three remained in passenger service with Silverlink following Privatisation. Chiltern Railways were the final operator of the Class 121s, using two for services between Aylesbury and Princes Risborough, the final unit was withdrawn in 2017. A significant number of the Class survive in preservation.
Model
1:43 Scale model of a Class 121 Diesel Locomotive decorated in BR livery. This model features lots of expertly applied details as based on the prototype, a high level of body detail and excellent running characteristics.
Features
- 1:76 Scale Model
- Analogue DC Model
- NEM Couplings
- Hghly Detailed Finish
- Two axle drive
- Separate metal bearings fitted to each driven axle
- Trailing axles run in metal pinpoint bearings
- Electrical pickup from all wheels
- Diecast metal, multi-stage gearbox, with gearing arranged for prototypical running speeds and haulage capabilities
- 16.5mm (OO gauge) wheels to NEM310 & NEM311 standards with authentic profile and detailing
- Separately applied detail parts, including metal lamp irons and cab end handrails, exhaust pipes and windscreen wipers
- Bogies constructed from multiple components featuring brake and suspension detail and steps where prototypically appropriate
- Speedometer with flexible connection between bogie and solebar
- A wealth of separately fitted underframe components including engines, exhaust systems, electrical gear and auxiliary equipment
- Interior detailing including seating, partitions and driver’s chair and control desk in each cab
- Sprung metal buffers
- Each model is supplied with a full set of decorated bufferbeam pipework and accessory parts
- Directional lighting, including illuminated headcode panels* and high intensity headlights*, switchable on/off independently at either end via the chassis-mounted switches or via dedicated DCC functions (*where applicable to the prototype being modelled)
- Separately illuminated destination panels, switchable on/off independently at either end via the chassis-mounted switches or via dedicated DCC functions
- Passenger saloon lighting – switchable on/off via the chassis-mounted switches or via a dedicated DCC function
- Cab interior lighting – switchable on/off via the chassis-mounted switches or via a dedicated DCC function
- Authentic light colours and temperatures selected for each lighting application
- A quality speaker employed for optimum sound reproduction, fitted to every model as standard
- Directional Lighting
Specification
Specification
Power, DCC and Lighting
Power, DCC and Lighting
Highly detailed O Scale model praised for excellent quality and smooth running. Customers said it's "stunning" with good underframe detail and includes multiple coupling types. Runs well on DC, "a bargain for the price." Some noted PCB sagging, thin couplings, and parts loosening in transit. Packaging improvements suggested.
The model is a fantastic model a good little model and details are good. I have noted that this could have a little me flavour added by improving the internal layout such as improved PCB board thickness to prevent bowing/sagging.The couplings look good they are a littleon the thin side. And the speaker allocation could have been modified to allow for wires and a cover to hide them. The colour seem a little or the darkside but then its in the eye of the beholder as these did weather in real life. Overall the model does look the part. Couplings and PCB need addressing I would also recommend a rethink on the packaging as these could be better supported without the lump of wood it was attached to. Icecude or shadow foam would have been better. So for this reason I have given 4 stars. But well done. Its a nice addition to any layout.
Looks great, runs smoothly out of the box, a bargain for the price very happy.
An absolute excellent model! Very Highly detailed.
Two types of couplings included, to assist if you have tight curves and running multiple. A nice touch.
A 2 car DMU next please Heljan 😀
One star knocked off as the lead bogey life guard and another detail part had come off in transit and were loose in box.
Very happy with my 121 DMU. Great model & prompt delivery 👌
My favourite Heljan model! One word; STUNNING! More DMU’s please!
I do like these single car units and so went a little silly but they seem well made and have good detail to them so whats not to like at these rices.
Superb looking Bubble Car with lots of detail. Smooth runner on DC.
Looking forward to running this on a planned branch line paired with a Class 149 dummy car.
Excellent model very happy with it thanyou
Accurate and well detailed model at a great price. Runs well but will benefit from running in. Good under frame detail and buffer beam hoses and jumpers. A branch line train in one box. The 149 is the perfect addition for a bigger branch line.