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Frying Tonight: LNER ‘Chip Vans’ Join The Heljan 00 Range

We all know that the Great Western branch line terminus is a very popular “go-to” subject for layouts in the railway modelling world. Well, here’s a superb new ‘OO’ gauge model with ambitions to make 2027 the year of the LNER branch line terminus! For our major announcement as part of the Accurascale family, we have filled a significant gap in the LNER story with an all-new ‘OO’ gauge model of the Sentinel-Cammell Diagram 96/97 steam railcars. Prototype History These charismatic vehicles – nicknamed “Chip Vans” due to their bright livery and smoky chimneys – were introduced in 1925–1932 to reduce operating costs and attract passengers to local services. They were a precursor to modern diesel railcars. In some ways, the LNER’s Sentinel railcars were victims of their own success, attracting so many passengers that they often couldn’t cope with demand. At their peak, 80 vehicles across 13 diagrams were operated by the LNER, with Diagram 96 and 97 the most numerous. They worked across all LNER areas, from North London commuter lines to rural branch lines in East Anglia, the Midlands, Cheshire and Scotland. Yorkshire and the North East were key strongholds. A 1934 LNER report showed they outperformed early diesel railcars, covering up to 2.25 million miles per year with some working 17 hours a day. However, lightweight construction and reliability issues led to withdrawal by 1948, with just No. 2136 HOPE briefly surviving into the BR era. Our new model celebrates these important but often overlooked pioneers, offering Diagram 96 and 97 railcars in classic LNER liveries—perfect for both branch lines and main line layouts. The Model Based on original research and input from LNER experts, this model is packed with fine detail and modern features, making it a must-have for “Big Four” modellers. It continues a strong run of releases including GWR AEC railcars, Class 104, Class 153, and Class 117/121/122 DMUs, across ‘TT’, ‘OO’ and ‘O’ scales. Available liveries include: LNER green/cream (4 options) Cheshire Lines Committee light/dark brown (first RTR CLC self-propelled model) LMS Crimson Lake BR Crimson/Cream “what if” version Key Features Separately controlled LED lighting functions ESU electronics with “Stay Alive” capacitors Factory-fitted speaker Next18 DCC decoder interface Optional factory-fitted ESU sound project Low-profile motor hidden beneath the saloon Detail Variations Diagram 96 – toplight vents Diagram 97 – droplight windows CLC variant (Diagram 97 style) Multiple LNER regional versions Destination boards included for each model Engineering samples are currently under test in the UK, with livery artwork complete and ready for production. Standard Features Five switchable lighting functions (DCC) Interior and cab lighting Bi-colour LED head/tail lamps “Stay Alive” capacitors for smooth running Detailed interior with partitions and reversible seating Detailed engine room and cab NEM couplers and magnetic coupler bars Smooth, reliable motor performance Price And Availability  All models will be offered DCC Ready with an easy-to-access Next18 decoder interface or with factory fitted DCC Sound. Decoration will be the icing on the cake for these superb models, featuring a wealth of detail based on extensive research of the prototype. The first batch of liveries will be... HELJAN ‘OO’ GAUGE SENTINEL-CAMMELL STEAM RAILCAR – BATCH 1 #3180 LNER Green/Cream Diag. 96 No.2136 HOPE (NE Area) Destination Boards: Newcastle/Durham/York/Selby #3181 LNER Green/Cream Diag. 97 No.51914 ROYAL FORESTER (GN/GC Area)Destinations: Hitchin/Leeds/Nottingham/Chesterfield #3182 LNER Green/Cream Diag. 96 No.51908 EXPEDITION (GE/GN Area) Destinations: Edgware/Norwich/Lowestoft/Castleford #3183 LNER Green/Cream Diag. 97 No.31073 QUICKSILVER (Scottish Area) Destinations: Stirling/Edinburgh/Dundee/Alloa #3184 Cheshire Lines Committee Light/Dark Brown Diag. 97 No. 602 Destinations: Stockport/Liverpool/Widnes/Marple #3185 LNER Wartime Brown Diag. 97 No. 2241 SWIFTDestinations: Saltburn/Scarborough/Darlington/Sunderland 3186 LMS Crimson Lake No. 4349Destinations: Bicester/Oxford/Derby/Perth *Please note that item #3186 is based on a similar, but not identical, Sentinel-Cammell steam railcar acquired by the LMS and tested on various routes across the company’s system.  #3187 BR Crimson/Cream No. 2267Destinations: York/Goole/Hull/Whitby *Please note that item #3187 is a fictional ‘what if’ livery that could have been applied if the Sentinel steam railcars had survived long enough to gain BR livery.  These beauties are now available for pre-order, priced at just £149.98 DC/DCC Ready and £249.98 DCC Sound fitted, with free UK postage and packaging and 3% cashback in loyalty points also thrown in for good measure, and 10% off your first order when you register an account with us on our website, Heljan.com!  Pre-Order Your Sentinel Cammell Railcar Here!