Heljan 4425

The MY1101 locomotive was part of the iconic NOHAB series, produced under license from EMD starting in 1949. These locomotives were based on the Australian B Class but were adapted for European conditions with a narrower clearance gauge and UIC-compliant features. NOHAB locomotives served state railways in Denmark, Norway, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Hungary, with many still operational on private railways across Europe, including Germany, Sweden, and Kosovo.

The Model

• Theme: It features the unique, eye-catching blue and white "H.C. Andersen" fairy tale livery, released to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen in 2005. 
• Configuration: In Heljan's lineup, the item number 4425 specifically denotes the "Dummy" version (a non-motorized, unpowered locomotive unit). It is meant to be paired with a motorized unit (such as Heljan 4424) to create a prototypical double-headed train.
• Adaptability: Because it is an unpowered dummy unit, it features an empty chassis that can be easily customized or adapted to run as a trailer on both AC or DC layouts

Operational History

• Arrival and Early Service: Delivered to Helsingør on 7 February 1954 and showcased at Østerport on 24–25 February 1954. Entered regular service on 8 March 1954 in the Western region, operating in Århus until 1955.
• Service Zones:
  • Operated in Western Denmark from 1956 to 1968.
  • Reclassified as MV 1101 in 1968, then reverted to MY1101 in 1984.
  • Continued service in the West from 1984 to 1986.

Museum and Special Roles

• Retirement: Withdrawn from regular service in 1986 and transferred to the DSB Museum Train.
• Preservation Highlights:
  • Stored in Randers (1986–88) and refurbished with a brown livery in 1988.
  • Moved to Roskilde (1989–95).
  • Participated in the last DSB MY-planned train on 15 June 2001, running from Herning to Århus alongside MY1159.
  • Assigned to Copenhagen Workshops (Cvk Kh) from 1999 to 2011.
  • Decorated with blue vinyl and text in 2005 to commemorate the H.C. Andersen anniversary.

Additional Modifications and Activities

• ATC Equipment: Fitted with ATC in 2006.
• Winter Service: Used for snowplow operations on Zealand during January–February 2010.
• Final Active Years: Operated from 2010 to 2013.

Current Status

• Exhibition: Displayed in Odense in 2022 as part of its preservation and historical significance.

The MY1101 remains a cherished example of Denmark’s railway heritage and the enduring legacy of the NOHAB series.