ACCURASCALE TO OFFER CLASS 31 IN ‘OO’

In a surprise announcement, Accurascale revealed advanced development of the Brush Type 2 A1A-A1A, with a vast range of detail options to be offered within the tooling suite. Both the original Mirrlees-powered Class 30 and re-engineered Class 31, with English Electric powerplants, will be produced and the research stage has involved numerous prototypes being evaluated and 3D-scanned, in tandem with careful study of works drawings.

As with Accurascale’s Class 37 and ‘Deltic’ projects, the company’s aim is to offer the most comprehensive model yet of this classic diesel, with almost every conceivable detail variation catered for. At present, the model is fully tooled, with several working prototype samples currently under evaluation. The Brush Type 2 was one of British Rail’s early Modernisation Plan designs, with pioneer D5500 emerging in 1957. After an initial batch of 20 locomotives, a further 243 examples were constructed. The final example entered service in 1962 and the class remained a mainstay of BR’S operations into the 1990s, with numerous examples continuing well into the privatisation era.

Accurascale’s model will feature an extensive technical specification, including switchable lighting functions, a 21-pin DCC interface and a five-pole motor with twin flywheels and a working radiator fan powered by a separate motor. The level of detail will also be high, with plenty of etched metal fittings and period and prototypespecific features observed. Ten different models will feature in the initial production run, with delivery being expected next year. Pre-orders can be placed now, with the model listed at a very competitive price.

As George mentioned in MR296’S editorial, the

Class 175/180 Diesel Multiple Units have been a key element of the UK railway scene for 20 years and well worthy of attention for modellers. It appears that the team at Revolution Trains were thinking along similar lines, as advanced CAD images have been released, showing both units under development. The 100mph Class 175s were built by Alstom in Birmingham between 1999 and 2001 and initially entered service with First North Western. Comprising 11 two-car and 16 three-car sets, the fleet was later transferred to the Wales and Borders franchise. Current operator Transport for

Wales has recently completed a full refurbishment of the fleet and they continue to operate services between South Wales, Manchester and North Wales. The five-car Class 180 fleet was constructed for First Great Western and initially operated express services from London to South Wales and the West Country. Although not a resounding success at FGW, the ‘180s’ enjoyed a short stint with Northern Rail in the late 2000s, working Hazel Grove-manchester-preston services before the fleet settled down to work with Grand Central and Hull Trains. More recently, East Midlands Railway has introduced ‘180s’ on services from London St Pancras to Nottingham, Derby, Sheffield and Corby.

CAD work for both units is almost complete for the ‘N’ gauge versions, with both units also due to be rendered in ‘OO’. Liveries are still being finalised, but the overall project specification will be up to Revolution’s usual high standards. The order book, with a low early bird price, is expected to open very soon.