We are pleased to present Heljan's gorgeous North Eastern Railway ES-1 electric locomotives in OO Gauge, now available at reduced prices here at Rails! Three variations are in stock, in NER green, LNER black and BR black - covering much of the history of these intrepid locomotives - which lasted in service for nearly 60 years.
Also available are a very limited number of realistic weathered examples too!
Finescale sprung metal pantograph - fully poseable
LED cab and directional lighting
Powerful 5-pole motor geared for running at realistic speeds
Sprung buffers
NEM tension lock couplings
PROTOTYPE INFORMATION:
In the early 20th century, the North Eastern Railway (NER) played a pioneering role in the development of electric traction for railway vehicles. The short freight branch from Trafalgar Yard in Manors, just north of Newcastle Central, to Quayside Yard was also electrified.
This steeply-graded (1-in-27) line dropped 130ft to the quayside in less than one mile and featured deep cuttings and a claustrophobic tunnel situated on a sharp curve. Conditions for steam locomotive crews were extremely unpleasant with little or no ventilation in the tunnels to clear the acrid smoke from locomotives working flat out on the uphill trips.
To work the line, the NER ordered two steeple-cab electric locomotives, built by Brush and fitted with four British Thomson-Houston (BTH) 160hp traction motors. Designated ‘Electric Shunting Type 1’ or ‘ES1’, the two machines were given the NER numbers 1 and 2.
