Heljan 1706 Class 17 Clayton 'Ribble Cement' Limited Run of 1000

Heljan, Class 17 'Clayton' Bo-Bo Diesel Locomotive, ex D8568 in ''Ribble Cement'' grey livery with castle motiff to nose ends. A special Limited Issue Model with a run of just 1000 pieces,Please Note , we now understand this model does not have a certificate. Tested runs well, a little noisy. Looks unused, as new condition with all paper work and detailing parts. Featuring highly detailed body, working marker lights and smooth di-cast heavy chassis with shaft drive from central motor driving both bogies DCC ready. Ordered in 1961 by the BTC (British Transport Commission) as a successor to the pilot scheme Type 1 locomotives (Class 20 Diesels) , designed for light to medium freight work north of the boarder. The initial order was for 88 engines with a further 29 added late in 1961. A unique design with the cab in the centre of the locomotive, with extremely good visibility for the crew. during the build major technical problems immerged, This necessitated brand new locomotives going straight into store pending investigations. The last two locomotives of the Clayton build, No's D8586/87 were fitted with Rolls Royce 450HP engines; these can be easily recognized as they have a bulge to both bonnets. The final batch of 29 Loco's were constructed by Beyer Peacock of Gorton, Manchester, with electrical equipment supplied by Crompton Parkinson.. It is understood that the Gorton Clayton's were significantly more reliable; however this was not enough to save the class from an early demise, with first examples being withdrawn in early October 1968. Throughout the late 60's and early 70's Claytons could be found stored/dumped at locations across Scotland. \n\n