Class 26 update
Heljan has shown pictures of its new ‘O’ gauge Class 26 which is at the pre-production sample stage. Changes have been made since the previous sample including a corrected bufferbeam shape and sandbox design, finer mesh grilles and modified snowploughs, which have been redesigned for easier installation. Heljan is expecting the model to be available in Q1 2022 and pre-ordering is strongly advised as Heljan has already increased the quantities of some variations to cater for the demand.
Two new models from Dapol
Dapol has revealed new runs of two models at the Severn Valley Railway ‘O’ ‘Get Together’ that it will be producing for release next year. Making good on its plan to produce the last batches of Diagrams 1/506 and 1/507, the BR 20T brake van is expected to be released in Q1 next year and should feature a die cast chassis for added weight, a compensation beam to improve running qualities and Dapol is considering including the option of interior lighting and sound.
Also on Dapol’s ‘to do’ list is a newly tooled HAA hopper to allow for the production of the canopied variant of the wagon. More commonly seen in Scotland, the canopy was a variant added to the prototype to increase the load volume but many of the earlier wagons had these and lost them. Dapol’s model is expected to feature functioning instanter couplings, a metal sprung coupling hook and metal screw coupling. Like the brake van, the coal hopper is due to hit the shelves in Q1 2022.
Accurascale wagon update
Over 50% of Accurascale’s allocation of its upcoming HAA MGR and CDA China Clay hoppers have sold to pre-orders and the first batch of models is progressing nicely, with decoration already underway. Expected to arrive in Q1 2022, the HAA, HCA and CDA wagons are due to finish production in December with the rest of the models due to arrive in Q2 2022.
You can find more information about this week's news and news from other weeks in your monthly issue of Model Rail magazine. Buy yours now in shops or online at: https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/single-back-issues/hobby-single-back-issues/rail-magazines-single-back-issues/model-rail-single-back-issues