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Model Rail Class 11 and Class 12
Model Rail has joined forces with Heljan to bring you the LMS 350hp diesel shunter, later to become the Class 11, and the later Southern Regon Class 12s
You could be forgiven for mistaking this machine for BR's superlative Class 08 but this is where the "gronk" story starts. The differences were small (wheel diameter and cab) but what we have here is the final evolution of the LMS pre-war diesel shunter development.
The War Department ordered the first 20 (but only took delivery of 14), the LMS took the remaining 6 and BR built 71 between 1948 and 1952 when Class 08 production started. Even the Western Region took delivery of six machines that were virtually identical to the LMS design, and English Electric built them for industry too. Eight Class 11s survive, plus one ex-WD and one built new for ICI.
15211 - 15236 emerged from Ashford between 1949 - 1952 and were virtually identical to the LMS design. We will include key differences - Bulleid-Firth-Brown wheels and the extra lamp iron/marker lights - but please be aware that limitations to the tooling may mean that it's not possible to include some smaller detail differences (also applicable to the Western Region machines).
Boasting an impressive technical specification - plus a wealth of detail - the models are supplied in DCC ready format, with a Next18 DCC socket and pre-installed speaker.
The models also feature a super-smooth mechanism, with gearing optimised for slow-speed running - perfect for these venerable shunting locomotives.
As well as working exterior lamps (on certain models only to match the prototypes), the cab interiors can also be illuminated by activating a hidden switch using the supplied magnetic ‘wand’. DCC users have even more control over the lighting functions.
We have 15 Class 11 versions to choose from, encompassing LMS, War Department and British Railways liveries, along with schemes depicting some of the Class 11s that enjoyed second careers in industry. There’s also a mix of pristine and weathered options available.
As well as different paint schemes, the models also feature prototype specific details. This is thanks to our investment in extra tooling, allowing for several detail differences to be incorporated, including alternative nose end detail, three different marker light arrangements, handrail placement, air horns or whistles and several other small - but vital - differences between batches.
Note: images are of all pre-production/livery samples and subject to alteration.
The Southern Region Class 12s will follow later.
The models are shown below, each is limited to 300 pieces.
PROJECT UPDATE March 2024 - Decorated samples of the Southern Region Class 12s have arrived see Here>>>
The Class 11s arrived in early February 2024 and are still in stock and available to order.
MODEL RAIL SUBSCRIBERS
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MR-501 Class 11, 70271, War Department olive green £169.00
MR-502 Class 11, Longmoor Military Railway, 878 Basra £169.00
MR-503 Class 11, 7120, LMS pre-war black £169.00
MR-504 Class 11, 7128, LMS post-war black £169.00
MR-505 Class 11, 12043, BR black, BRITISH RAILWAYS lettering £169.00
MR-506 Class 11, 15101, BR/WR green, BRITISH RAILWAYS lettering £169.00 
MR-507 Class 11, 15106, BR/WR green, BRITISH RAILWAYS lettering WEATHERED £179.00
MR-508 Class 11, 12125, BR black, early emblem £169.00
MR-509 Class 11, 12131, BR black, early emblem, WEATHERED £179.00
MR-510 Class 11, 12105, BR green, late emblem £169.00
MR-511 Class 11, 12100, BR green with ‘wasp’ stripes, late emblem £169.00
MR-512 Class 11, D12062, BR Rail blue with ‘wasp’ stripes £169.00
MR-513 Class 11, 12052, BR Rail blue with ‘wasp’ stripes, WEATHERED £179.00
MR-514 Class 11, MP228, Derek Crouch Mining Co. red/cream £169.00
MR-515 Class 11, (ex-12099) National Coal Board orange £169.00Return to page top.
Heljan Class 12
After an unexpected delay, we’re delighted to report that our ‘OO’ Class 12 project has now reached the decorated sample stage. Produced exclusively for Model Rail by Heljan, and following on from our Class 11 project, the Class 12s feature the same impressive specification, including a diecast metal chassis, powerful five-pole motor coupled to a brass flywheel and driving a set of high-reduction gears for optimal slow-speed running. A Next18 DCC interface is provided, along with a pre-installed speaker.
Like our Class 11, this is the first time the distinctive Class 12s have been offered in ready-to-run form, with a range of period- and prototype-specific details incorporated into each model. Although outwardly similar to the Class 11s, we’ve included the various design alterations implemented by Oliver Bulleid when the Southern Railway placed the order for 26 locomotives prior to nationalisation. Most notable of which is the larger Bulleid-Firth-Brown wheels.
Furthermore, our tooling suite caters for the original and later style cab and nose end styles, with working electric lamps on the later versions, while all models feature cab interior lights which can be toggled on/off using the supplied magnetic wand or via DCC.
Five different versions will soon be available, encompassing the four main liveries carried during their career with British Railways, along with a rendition of the former 15231 in Tilcon blue, as it appeared during its life at Rylstone Quarry in North Yorkshire from 1971-85.
This is a strictly limited run, with only 300 pieces of each version being produced.We’ve managed to maintain the same price as the Class 11s, despite rising manufacturing and shipping costs.
We’re unable to start taking orders until the models are on their way to the UK, so look out for more updates in over the coming months.
Please note: these decorated samples are not quite perfect, with certain detail fittingsomitted and a few areas earmarked for improvement.
Delivery is expected during 2025 and expected prices are £169.00 each (MR subscribers price £152.10). Look out for more updates in Model Rail magazine, including when the order book is opened.
What’s planned?
MR-520 BR/SR Class 12, 15220, BR black, early emblem
MR-521 BR/SR Class 12, 15224, BR green, early emblem
MR-522 BR/SR Class 12, 15221, BR green with ‘wasp’ stripes, late emblem
MR-523 BR/SR Class 12, 15212, BR Rail blue with ‘wasp’ stripes
MR-524 BR/SR Class 12, (ex-15231) Tilcon blue with ‘wasp’ endsReturn to page top.
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