Heljan Class 121 & 122

W55034 (121034) at Old Oak Common in September 2017. © Geof Sheppard
Heljan are producing a newly tooled O gauge model of the Class 121 and 122 'Bubble Car' diesel multiple units. Slated for release between Q2 and Q3 2021, a number of variations will cover these highly identifiable units in a number of BR green, blue and sectorisation era colour schemes.
Heljan's 'Bubble Cars' will feature:
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Highly detailed body and underframe
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Highly detailed cab interior with lighting
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Powerful 5-pole motor
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Screwlink couplings
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Digital & sound capability
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Heavy chassis
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Accurate toolings for Class 121 and 122 units
Forthcoming Models - Class 121
The below image showcases an early sample, which is not fully representative of the final models.

1210 - W55021 in BR green with speed whiskers - £296.65
1211 - W55027 in BR green with small yellow warning panels - £296.65
1212 - W55033 in BR blue - £296.65
1213 - W55028 in BR blue - £296.65
1214 - 55025 in Network SouthEast livery - £296.65
1215 - W55020 in GWR 150 chocolate and cream - £296.65
Forthcoming Models - Class 122

1220 - W55000 in BR green - £296.65
1221 - W55005 in BR green with small yellow panels - £296.65
1222 - W55017 in BR green with small yellow panels - weathered - £313.65
1225 - W55004 in BR green with small yellow panels - £296.65
1226 - W55008 in BR blue with small yellow panels - matt finish - £296.65
1227 - TDB975227 in BR blue with full yellow ends - weathered - £313.65
1230 - SC55011 in BR blue with full yellow ends - £296.65
1231 - M55009 in BR blue and grey - £296.65
1232 - 55012 in Regional Railways livery - £296.65
Related Products - Heljan Class 149 & 150 Trailers
Heljan are also producing models of the unpowered Class 149 and Class 150 trailer cars, which were sometimes coupled up to Class 121 and 122 units to form a 2-car train. Use the button below to browse the range.
Prototype Information

121020 at Bewdley on the Severn Valley Railway in October 2004. © Phil Scott.
Built between 1960 and 1961, a total of 16 Class 121 single car DMUs were built by Pressed Steel for use on the Western Region of British Rail. Featuring slam-doors, vacuum brakes and a top speed of 70mph; the 'Bubble Cars' were used on lightly used branch lines and thanks to their affordability, helped to keep rural services running. Remarkably, they have the honour of being Britain's longest serving DMU, having only been fully withdrawn in 2017. These versatile units have proven to be popular on heritage lines too, with 12 currently preserved.
(Information Provided by Wikipedia)
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Type of Locomotive
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Diesel Multiple Unit |
Builder
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Pressed Steel |
Build Dates
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1960 - 1961 |
Total Built
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16 |
Top Speed
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70mph |
Operators
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British Railways, Silverlink, Railtrack, Network Rail, Arriva Trains Wales, Chiltern Railways |
Main Duties
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Local Passenger |
In Service Until
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2017 |
Surviving Locos
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12 |
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