We are delighted to announce new special offer pricing for our EXCLUSIVE range of Heljan BR '18100' Gas Turbine (and later E1000/ E2001 electric locomotives)! The entire range has now been discounted by up to 25% off the RRP, starting from just £169.50. There has never been a better time to bring this experimental piece of BR history home to your collection!
Our prototypically accurate models covers the original version of '18100' as a Gas Turbine locomotive as well as later eras when it was converted to Overhead Electric Power. All of these are available either pristine or weathered.
BR Gas Turbine 18100 Class in BR Black with Silver Trim (As Built 1951) Locomotive
We have various upgrades available to enhance your model! Choose from one of our Sound upgrade packages or purchase one of our ModelU 3D printed crews for the cab!
Please note: DCC Sound upgrades must be purchased at the same time as the locomotive, we cannot offer this if you buy a locomotive separately.
OO Gauge BR 18100 Gas Turbine Crew Pack - Crew Pack Featuring Driver and Inspector
"Given the limited timeframe the prototype operated, it is remarkable that not only has 18100 been produced, but also its subsequent conversion to E1000 and E2001 have also been modelled in 25kV overhead electric form. An outstanding reminder of this chapter in the development of motive power for the GWR and British Railways." - Mark Chivers
Five pole motor driving all four axles (two on each bogie) with flywheels
Powered wheels on outer axles of each bogie
21-pin DCC socket with easy access
Separately fitted wire handrails and sandpipes
Spoked wheels
Etched grilles
Sprung OLEO buffers
Flush glazing
NEM coupler pockets
Lighting: As per 18000. Two warm white headlights at front (lower left and lower right) in direction of travel and one red tail light at rear (lower centre). Including function (DC and DCC) to switch off tail light when hauling a train.
Warm white Cab lights. Including function to switch on/off.
Separate engine room lights
📸 Robert Carroll Collection
ABOUT THE PROTOTYPE:
The story of ‘18100’ is complicated but nonetheless very interesting. Originally ordered by the Great Western Railway in the 1940s, it was to be a prototype mainline gas turbine-electric locomotive offering an alternative to early diesel traction.
Metropolitan-Vickers were tasked with producing 18100 in 1946. This homegrown loco would be powered by paraffin or pool gas oil rather than the heavy fuel oil that had caused problems for the Swiss-built 18000. Development continued into the 1940s but after numerous disagreements and setbacks, the completed 18100 was finally delivered to Swindon Works in 1951, at this point under the ownership of British Railways.
