Class 121 - NSE - 55025 - 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final operator of the Class 121s, using two for services between Aylesbury and Princes Risborough, the final unit was withdrawn in 2017.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
1:76 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
Customers praised this O scale model railcar for its "superb" NSE livery and excellent detail. Most found it runs well with great lights, though some reported bogie misalignment causing wobbling and design issues with body attachment. Praised for value and fast delivery, with "brilliant" customer service.
Excellent model. Arrived intact. Runs well. Will be better when chipped.
4/5 - some internal parts loose inside the model and a detail part was loose in the box. These things are not major issues, but it is a ready to run model, not assemble and then run. That’s being said they were quick to sort.
That’s that dealt with, on to the model. Wow I am getting the O gauge bug, just the prince of the model when you open the box is unreal. The fine detailing isn’t there compared with some later offerings in other scales, but the model will survive handling and being used outside.
The livery application is perfect, crisp and no bleed between the colours. As for the colours the NSE livery just pops and is impressive.
The underframe details are well picked out and offer good depth of detail. The pick up wire is visible from the bogies, but if you weather it or just paint them black, they will blend in nicely.
The buffer beam detailing is fitted as standard and finishes off the front of the model well. My only complaint here is the buffers would have looked better if were metal.
The interior detail is clearly visible and well represented through the windows.
I’ve not run the model yet, so cannot comment here, but I am looking forward to seeing this running.
Let’s talk price for a moment. I never considered O gauge before, as the price was just to much to justify, however with the Heljan/ Accurascale new pricing structure, these models are affordable to me and the models are within reach.
If they are to call this their budget O gauge range, that is fine with me, they are far more detailed then other budget ranges in other scales out there.
Would I recommend - yes
Would I buy again - yes
Have I brought again - no not yet, but do have my eye on another livery.
I couldn’t miss buying this livery in the end they are such nice models and run really well and with all the lights fitted to them you cant go wrong.
Excellent Value
Although the model looks great and accurate from a cosmetic point of view I have had various running problems with the 121s , there is a misalignment in the motorised bogies making the bogie wobble and the unit wobble from side to side when running. I have few of these units and some seem better than others.
The unit also suffers from light bleed through to the buffer beam and the the destination blind which could a lot better.
The way in which the body is attached to the chassis is very poor with a glued lug attached to the inside of the body which takes the **** from the chassis. The glued parts falls off when you detach the body meaning to re attach the body you need to reglue the lug back on . not the best design.
Overall the model is nice and sure Heljan will hopefully improve the design going forward.
The service from Heljan has been brilliant though.
The Network South East liveried Class 121 railcar is a superb model and is a great companion for the Class 149 driving trailer in the same NSE livery already purchased, the NSE livery is superbly applied and the model has excellent detail inside and out, the model is also an excellent runner.
A great addition to my 0 gauge collection.
Stephen Janus
Fast delivery looks great in NSE livery.
Exellent item , bit growly but perfect otherwise and delivered within 24hrs of ordering