Dapol LSWR ‘B4’ (cutaway cab)
◆ GAUGE ‘OO’ ◆ MODEL Dapol 4S-018-012D LSWR ‘B4’ 0-4-0T No. 91 Jersey, Southampton Docks dark green ◆ PRICE £126.36 ◆ AVAILABILITY Dapol stockists Web www.dapol.co.uk
First released in 2018 (see MR250), Dapol’s LSWR ‘B4’ received a further production run last year, with models arriving in late November, catering for a variety of liveries and eras.
Of special note is No. 91 Jersey, in LSWR-ERA Southampton Docks lined green livery, with cutaway cab, as reviewed here. The ‘B4’ 0‑4‑0Ts were built between 1891 and 1908 – with No. 91 being part of the initial batch – and were ideal for dockyard shunting. When the LSWR purchased Southampton Docks in 1892, the ‘B4s’ became synonymous with this location, until they were usurped by the ‘USA’ 0‑6‑0Ts during the 1940s.
Locomotives working at Southampton Docks gained a smart lined green livery and were named after destinations served by ships sailing across to the Continent, such as Normandy, Cherbourg and Caen, as well as the various Channel Islands.
Dapol offered No.176 Guernsey in lined green a couple of years ago, which proved extremely popular, so it was welcome news when a similar version was announced as part of the 2023 production run.
Featuring the distinctive cutaway cab, which afforded the footplate crew much better visibility during intensive shunting operations, the distinctive central spectacle plates feature flush glazing that sits neatly inside the aperture, leaving the interior looking as good as the exterior. Indeed, the inside of the cab is fully detailed and painted, something that is hard to appreciate on the enclosed cab versions. The firebox glow effect can also be seen more readily, presenting an authentic appearance, even on analogue control.
These latest ‘B4s’ still offer a 6pin DCC socket, located above the flywheel-fitted motor and accessed by removing the bodyshell, which can be a tad fiddly. A recess in one of the side tanks provides adequate space for a wired decoder to sit clear of the mechanism. Factory-fitted DCC versions are also available.
The overall level of exterior detail is impressive, with fine wire handrails and cab supports (although one of the lamp brackets was missing on this sample), while the external valves and pipework
feature convincing brass and copper finishes respectively. Talking of the finish, the green livery is applied to a high standard, with the fine light green lining neatly rendered, even on the tiny toolboxes, footsteps and cab panels. The shaded gold lettering and numbers are virtually flawless. The shiny coupling rods catch the eye, but are in keeping with a pristine finish of the pre‑grouping period, when even humble locomotives were treated with great care by railway staff.
Performance is in line with previous Dapol ‘B4’ releases, with smooth, quiet running that improves after the usual running‑in period, and more than adequate hauling power for such a small locomotive. These models remain keenly priced in the current market, especially considering the high level of finish, with even a factory Dcc‑fitted example available for under £150 at some retailers. No wonder they’re reportedly selling well! (GD)
The shaded gold lettering and numbers are virtually flawless