Dapol announce N gauge Class 59 development is out of abeyance. [Updated 21/07/21] Additional versions added.

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21 Jul 2021 00:00am

Dapol have announced that following their decision to put several models into abeyance, with the understanding that the models will be looked at in turn and reactivated as live projects when conditions allowed. Dapol confirm that the N Gauge Class 59 was reactivated internally as an active project some time ago and are able to share CAD images of the model.
[Updated 21/07/21]

The Class 59 is a Co-Co formation diesel locomotive and the first US produced, privately-owned locomotive to operate regularly in the UK. The ordering of the first Class 59 was a result of quarry company Foster Yeomans dissatisfaction with the performance of the BR Class 56. The first 4 locomotives built by GM’s Electromotive Division were delivered to Foster Yeoman during 1986 and 59005 in 1989 proving very successful; one locomotive setting a new UK haulage record for a single locomotive of 4639 tonnes. Foster Yeomans rivals, Amey Roadstone Corp. (ARC) also ordered four modified Class 59s (59/1) as did National Power, who ordered six (59/2). GM invested in this initial UK success by extensively modifying the class 59 internally to produce the Class 66, also hugely successful, within both the UK and continental Europe. Other than 59003 (which after return from loan to HHPI in Germany, is operated by GBRf), the Class 59 fleet is operated today by DB Schenker and Mendip Rail (an ARC and FY joint venture).

The models will feature Dapol’s re-designed chassis and electronics. This model will also incorporate the same iron cored 5 pole motor that is used in the N Gauge Class 50 and Class 68. This motor offers excellent slow running and exceptional pulling power with reliability and robustness.
- Smooth running 5 pole next generation motor
- All wheel pickup
- All wheel drive via re-worked smooth drive low maintenance mechanism.
- Die-cast chassis
- DCC Sound ready, Next-18 decoder socket (recommended 6 function decoder)
- Independent directional front/rear main lighting control
- Independent directional front/rear cab lighting control
- Main lamp and cab lighting override switches for DC users (Independent front/rear control)
- Removable self-centring close coupling mechanism with NEM pockets
- Standard NEM fitting N Gauge couplers
- RP 25 wheels
- Detailed body and fittings
- Printed name plates
- Accessory bag with etched nameplates and detailed buffer beam fittings
- Clip-fit body for easy DCC fitting
- All Factory fitted DCC Locomotives will be fitted with Dapol’s new Imperium Next 18 decoder
Now six [was four] liveries will be available in the first production run in DCC Read and DC fitted versions.
2D-005-000 Class 59 59005 Foster Yeoman silver "Kenneth J Painter"
2D-005-000D Class 59 59005 Foster Yeoman silver "Kenneth J Painter" DCC Fitted
2D-005-001 Class 59 59103 ARC "Village of Mells"
2D-005-001D Class 59 59103 ARC "Village of Mells" DCC Fitted
2D-005-002 Class 59 59206 DB Schenker 'John F Yeoman'
2D-005-002D Class 59 59206 DB Schenker 'John F Yeoman' DCC Fitted
2D-005-003 Class 59 59204 National Power Blue
2D-005-003D Class 59 59204 National Power Blue DCC Fitted
2D-005-004 Class 59 59104 Hanson Village of Great Elm
2D-005-004D Class 59 59104 Hanson Village of Great Elm DCC Fitted
2D-005-005 Class 59 59001 Aggregate Industries Yeoman Endeavour
2D-005-005D Class 59 59001 Aggregate Industries Yeoman Endeavour DCC Fitted
You can pre-order the Dapol N Gauge Class 59 locomotives here>>>

The CADs are complete and the project has moved into the tooling room. Expected availability Quarter 4 in 2022.

Subject to alteration.
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