Class 58 Models | OO Gauge - EFE Rail
Class 58 Models
EFE Rail Class 58 OO Gauge
The British Rail Class 58 returned to the OO gauge market in 2020 under the EFE Rail brand, ensuring the class remained available in the most popular modelling scale used by UK railway enthusiasts.
From the perspective of the Class 58 Locomotive Group, the arrival of the EFE Rail models was especially welcome. It showed that the Class 58 continued to attract strong interest from enthusiasts and modellers, while also keeping the locomotive visible in OO gauge, the scale most commonly seen on British layouts.
A New Generation of Class 58 Models
The EFE Rail Class 58 models, released in 2020, represented a new generation of ready-to-run OO gauge Class 58s. Produced under the EFE Rail brand, part of Bachmann Europe, the models ensured that the class continued to be represented in 4mm scale after earlier Hornby and Heljan releases had become more difficult to obtain.
The models were based on the Heljan Class 58 tooling first introduced in 2008, but were updated and improved for their EFE Rail release. These refreshed versions featured DCC-ready provision, directional lighting, finely detailed bodyshell components, etched grilles, separate handrails and accessory packs, bringing them more closely into line with modern expectations for OO gauge diesel locomotives.
Why the Release Mattered
OO gauge remains the most widely used modelling scale in the UK, so the continued availability of the Class 58 in this format was important. A number of liveries were offered in the EFE Rail range, including Railfreight Red Stripe, Railfreight Triple Grey, Mainline Blue and EWS, allowing modellers to represent the class across a broad period of its working life.
This meant the models could suit layouts set in the 1980s, early privatisation years and later freight eras, helping the Class 58 remain part of the wider story of British railway modelling.
Announced Models
- E84005 — OO Class 58 58011 BR Railfreight (Red Stripe), weathered — £184.95
- E84006 — OO Class 58 58018 High Marnham Power Station, BR Railfreight Coal Sector — £174.95
- E84007 — OO Class 58 58021 Hither Green Depot, Mainline Blue — £174.95
- E84008 — OO Class 58 58039, EWS, weathered — £184.95
Detailing Highlights
- Bodyshell with factory-fitted separate details
- Etched fan grille
- Etched side grilles
- Separate handrails
- Jumper cables
- Bufferbeam detail pack
- Pre-fitted bufferbeam details
- NEM couplings
- Front and rear pipework
- Cosmetic screwlink coupling
- Lifeguards
- Sprung buffers
- Detailed cab, footplate and interior features
- Detailed glazing, seating and window wipers
- Underframe detailing including air tank, battery box, footsteps, fuel tank, pipework and sanding gear
- Chemically blackened wheel finish
Mechanical Specification
| Body Construction | Plastic with metal parts |
|---|---|
| Chassis Construction | Diecast |
| Coupling Socket | NEM pockets |
| Coupling Type | Tension lock |
| Driven Wheels | 8 wheels |
| Minimum Radius | Radius 2 |
| Body Removal | Secured with one or more screws |
| Weighting | Within chassis |
Electrical Specification
| DCC Capability | DCC Ready, 8-pin socket |
|---|---|
| Speaker Provision | Provision for a 28mm round speaker |
| Motor Location | Centre of chassis |
| Motor Type | 5-pole (standard) |
| Pickups | 4 out of 6 axles |
| Power Collection | 2 rail DC |
| Working Lights | Directional headlights and tail lights |