Category: O gauge/7mm

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Big 37 meets even bigger 37….

Revolution Trains and Heljan presented Nuclear Transport Solutions/Direct Rail Services with display models of their 0 gauge Class 37 model 37405 in Compass livery, in a ceremony in front of the real locomotive at Crewe Gresty Bridge depot on June 30th 2021.

Left to right: Ben (Revolution Trains), Andy Grundy (NTS/DRS), Ben Jones (Heljan)

NTS/DRS’s stylish dark blue compass livery has long been a favourite of model railway enthusiasts and Revolution was delighted to be able to produce these models with Heljan and would like to thank NTS/DRS for their assistance.

Revolution Trains/Heljan Class 37/4 37405 in DRS Compass livery

Andy Grundy, Head of Engineering (fleet and technical) accepted the models on behalf of NTS/DRS from Revolution’s Ben Ando and Heljan’s Ben Jones and said: “These impressive models will go on display in a case in our reception area, so everyone at NTS/DRS can enjoy them.”

37405 undoubtedly oblivious to her 1:43 scale counterpart

Ben Jones of Heljan added: “We were delighted to work with our friends at Revolution Trains and NTS/DRS to produce these superb models and it’s great that some have found a good home in Crewe and Carlisle alongside their big sisters.” 

A limited number of DRS 0 gauge class 37 37405 models are still available.

Purchase 0 gauge Class 37405 in DRS Compass livery
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Tell us what you want! Really, really want….in O!

As part of the Gauge O Guild’s virtual show and with our O gauge DRS 37/4 being produced in conjunction with Heljan due soon, we thought now was the time to ask O gauge modellers if there is any interest in us scaling up any of our offerings to the senior scale of 7mm/ft.

We’ve created a simple questionnaire with some suggested models we could scale up, such as:

Our forthcoming model of 975025 ‘Caroline’ inspection saloon in N and OO – would you like it in O as well?
Our N gauge Sturgeon/Tench engineers wagons would make impressive wagons with their size in O!
Looking for a general purpose goods van suitable for the mid-1980s to the current day? How about our IZA cargo-twins?
How about our massive KUA nuclear flask carriers in O – the heaviest wagons currently on the network at 160 tonnes loaded across 4 bogies.

Of course if you have another suggestion we’re always open to ideas and you can suggest something else – perhaps you’d prefer a class 92 in O or a 321 (though seriously we’re more likely to start with unpowered rolling stock)! You can select as many models from our list as you would like, but if you make your own suggestion please only suggest one additional model. Just click on the button below to complete the questionnaire. We’ll leave it running for a few weeks to see what interest there is – thanks!

Let us know what you would like us to produce in O gauge!

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Revolution’s big blue tractor breaks cover!

Revolution Trains has received decorated sample of its forthcoming 0-gauge model of 37405 in DRS “Compass” livery produced by Heljan.

This livery is exclusive to Revolution Trains and is available to order now for £599 with free postage. The models are expected to be ready for shipping by the end of the year, and numbers are limited.

Purchase 37405 in 0 Gauge

Although not fitted on this sample, all models will be shipped with painted miniature snowploughs and a full set of air/control/electrical pipes for each end.

If this model is a success the Revolution will consider upscaling other models in our range to the “senior scale” and we’d be interested in the thoughts of 0 gauge enthusiasts as to which might be the most useful or popular. However, please limit suggestions to models we already offer in N or 00, as we are not looking beyond these for now.

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O-la-la! Class 37 in 0-gauge from Revolution!

Revolution Trains is teaming up with Heljan to offer its first 0 gauge/1:43 scale model – a limited run of 37405 in the stylish Direct Rail Services “Compass” livery.

Photo courtesy Neil Downing

The Heljan model is highly detailed, digital and sound-ready, and features a 5-pole motor on each bogie, rotating roof fan, directional head, tail and headcode lighting and detailed cab interiors.  The livery has been extensively researched and the model will be painted and printed to artwork generated by Revolution.

This release builds on the launch of Heljan’s successful and award-winning Class 37/4 locomotive and offers Revolution a chance to assess demand in the O-gauge market.  If successful, Revolution will examine options for upscaling other models to the “senior scale.”

This release is not crowdfunded but is being backed by an angel investor to offer DRS fans and 0-gauge enthusiasts a much sought-after livery.  The DRS “Compass” livery is being produced exclusively for Revolution by Heljan under licence from DRS and numbers are limited.

Originally numbered D6982, the locomotive was built at English Electric’s Vulcan Foundry and entered service in 1965.  Two decades later it became one of a number of Class 37s rebuilt and fitted with electric train heating at Crewe Works and was renumbered 37405.  Following privatisation it was sold by EWS to Direct Rail Services in 2011, overhauled at Barrow Hill and re-entered service in 2013. Today, 37405 remains in the DRS operational fleet (XHAC – Kingmoor 37/4), retaining its iconic ‘Compass’ livery. The locomotive has worked a variety of trains including passenger, charter, test trains, empty stock moves and nuclear flasks, across the UK.

Photo courtesy Rob Sandford

Revolution Trains would like to thank Direct Rail Services for their assistance in producing this model.

Artwork has been approved and the model is available to pre-order now for £599 including postage. Payment can be in full now or in two installments of 50% each.

Delivery is expected in December 2020/January 2021.

Purchase a DRS Compass O gauge 37/4