Heljan 'O' Gauge Ruston 48DS

‘O’ gauge diesels don’t get much smaller than this! It's time to welcome our new 1:43.5 scale starter locomotive; the classic Ruston and Hornsby 48DS industrial shunter.

Perfect for layouts of every size, from the smallest shunting plank to a giant industrial complex, the tiny Ruston 48DS diesel is now at the tooling stage following the completion of detailed design work

. Working samples are expected for review in the autumn, ahead of first releases in mid-2024. Look out for 3D prototypes on the HELJAN stand at the Gauge O Guild’s Guildex event in Stafford on September 2/3.

Designed from scratch using original research and drawings provided by Ruston 48DS owners and experts, this superb new entry-level model is a ‘must have’ for modellers of the industrial scene but will also be suitable for BR era main line layouts and preservation sites, where many of the survivors now reside.

Authentic detail variations include original open style cab and the later enclosed design, standard or deep bufferbeams and optional lifting rings for the sides of the underframe.

Initially five liveries covering industrial, BR and preserved machines form the initial announcement with furthr production runs and liveries to be announced later subject to the success of the first production run.

We are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they become available. Heljan have indicated a release date of the third quarter of 2024.

Standard features include…

• Separately switchable headlamps
• A fully detailed cab interior
• Next18 DCC decoder interface
• Factory-fitted speaker in the radiator section
• Compact 5-pole motor with flywheel and super-low gearing for the ultimate in slow speed shunting control
• Authentic cab and bufferbeam variations
• Wire Handrails
• Finely detailed chassis with chain drive and brake gear
• Wire mesh radiator grille.