DAPOL’S CLASS 59 IN ‘N’ IS BACK ON

Great news for 2mm scale modellers of the post-1980s scene: Dapol’s Class 59 project is back up and running. The design team have recently shared a host of CAD images of the proposed ‘N’ gauge model, revealing an impressive level of detail specification.

The Class 59 was the first privately owned, foreign-built locomotive to operate regularly on the British Rail network. It was ordered initially by Foster Yeoman in the face of reliability problems with BR’S own diesel traction fleet, with the first four locomotives being delivered from General Motors’ Electromotive Division during 1986. Eventually, a total of 15 examples were built over a ten-year period. With the exception of 59003, which is owned by GBRF, the Class 59 fleet is currently operated by Freightliner on behalf of Mendip Rail.

Dapol’s model will incorporate a redesigned chassis and electronics and the same iron-cored five-pole motor that is used in the Class 50 and Class 68. Power will be collected from all 12 wheels and directional lighting will be installed, along with RP25 wheels, an accessory bag with etched nameplates and an Imperium Next18 decoder in all Dcc-fitted models.

The first shots of decorated samples are anticipated in the autumn and the model can be pre-ordered now from Dapol stockists.

When’s it due? Q3/Q4 2022

Price? £160 (Dcc-ready)

£190 (Dcc-fitted)

£270 (DCC sound-fitted)

Where can I find out more? www.dapol.co.uk