Just when the old adage, the common idiom of ‘you wait for ages for a bus, and then two come along at once’, (actually our sister company Shamrock Trains does diecast 1:43 scale buses for the 7mm modeller), there’s a sense of timing and irony as Heljan’s smaller industrial shunter sister arrives alongside its bigger brethren – the 88DS diesel mechanical shunter – albeit from another model railway manufacturer.
If you’re new to 0 gauge or considering dabbling with the idea of moving up into the larger scale, then then Ruston & Hornsby 48DS Industrial Shunter is a perfect solution as an entry-level model. It’s also absolutely ideal for a small diorama or a siding to connect with mainline setting. If you’re looking at this as an option then Peco’s ST-701 Starter Track Set is an ideal model engineering option with sufficient track for a simple end-to-end layout. Simply ‘poodle around’ with the Ruston & Hornsby 48DS Industrial Shunter on code 124 bullhead track – a very nice idea to get the imagination pulsing. And if you’re looking to integrate specific ideas based on region, railway era (particularly eras 4,5 and 6) or theme, then the BR(S) Southern Region green DS1169 open cab diesel shunter alongside the Heljan Passenger Luggage Vans (PLV), Parcels & Miscellaneous Vans (PMV) and Covered Carriage Truck (CCT) Utility Vans is highly complementary.
Very simply the Ruston & Hornsby 48DS is a ‘must have’, based on original and bespoke research and drawings by owners and operational experts, and picture-perfect for industrial settings. And there’s quite a few still littered around the country on many heritage railway and preservation lines. It comes in two forms with the original open style cab, and the later enclosed cab surrounding, but coming with operational lifting rings for the sides of the underframe and a host of standard features including:
- 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