KMRC announce two Exclusive Heljan 00 Gauge Class 33/1s as 33 104 and 33 106 in BR Blue livery.

Contributed by: Graham Muspratt

3 Feb 2023 00:00am

We announce two Exclusive Heljan 00 Gauge Class 33/1s as 33 104 and 33 106 in BR Blue livery, as used on the Thames Tamar Express Railtour on 16th April 1977.
 
The Southern Region of British Rail ordered an eventual total of 98 Type 3 diesel locomotives from the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company (BRCW) of Smethick, Birmingham. They are powered by a Sulzer 8 cylinder engine of 1550 bhp. The main generator and the four traction motors were supplied by Crompton Parkinson, hence the nickname for the class.

All locomotives were delivered in standard BR loco green, most being repainted BR blue during the late 1960s and early 1970s. During 1967, 19 of the locomotives were fitted with push-pull equipment for use on the Bournemouth line becoming Class 33/1. The last 12 members of the class, delivered in 1962, designated 33/2 were 7 inches narrower to allow working through the restricted tunnels of the Hastings line.
 
The Exclusive KMRC models represent 33 104 and 33 106 that entered traffic in July and August 1960 as D6516 and D6519 respectively. They were push pull fitted during 1967 and were renumbered in BR Blue livery as 33 104 and 33 106 in early 1974. Withdrawals took place in December 1985 and November 1990.

The Exclusive models in 00 Gauge are being produced for KMRC by Heljan. The model features highly detailed bodyshells and underframes with many separate components including handrails and the front pipework for push pull operation. [Updated] They are fitted with a revised chassis with switchable LED lighting and a 21pin DCC decoder interface.
 
The two models are in the condition, without the high intensity headlight, as used on the Thames Tamar Express Railtour on 16th April 1977. The Thames Tamar Express Railtour was organised by the Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society. It ran as 1Z21 0847 London Waterloo to Carne Point and was formed with Class 33/1 Diesel Locomotive number 33 104 leading into Cornwall with Class 491 4-TC unit number 420 and 433 forming the passenger accommodation. Between these units was Mk1 RMB number S1872 which had special wiring to work with the TC units. Bringing up the rear was Class 33/1 Diesel Locomotive number 33 106.
They ran in this condition almost untouched cosmetically from 1974 until orange cant-rail stripes were generally applied around about 1985.

The two versions of the locomotives are available now priced at £209.95 as follows:

3372 Heljan Class 33/1 Diesel Locomotive number 33 104 BR Blue DCC Ready.

3373 Heljan Class 33/1 Diesel Locomotive number 33 106 BR Blue DCC Ready.

 
Chris Trerise, Managing Director, said: “These Class 33/1 locos are ideal companions for our acclaimed Exclusive 4-TC units, as they worked together in usual service as well as the Thames Tamar Express Railtour, and will be also offered as value bundle packs comprising of one of these Class 33/1 plus a suitable livered 4-TC unit, so keep an eye on the website for details.”

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