Dapol has announced its third 'next generation' diesel locomotive for N gauge at the London Festival of Railway Modelling this weekend. The model promises an entirely re-designed chassis, electronics and a newly-tooled body. The manufacturer has said that models will also be sound capable.
Nine liveries spanning the eras of the Class are promised in its first batch of models, with the locomotives expected to arrive with stockists in Q2, 2024. RRPs are expected to be £172.80 for DCC Ready, £205.20 for DCC fitted and £291.60 for DCC sound-fitted.
Speaking about the new model, Dapol's Neil Morrlle said: "This model will incorporate our new iron-cored five-pole motor offering excellent slow running and exceptional pulling power with reliability and robustness."
Models are planned to have the following specification:
Smooth running five-pole next generation motor
All-wheel pick-up
All-wheel drive via re-worked 'smooth drive' low maintenance mechanism.
Die-cast chassis
DCC sound ready, Next-18 decoder socket (recommended six function decoder)
Independent directional front/rear main lighting control – day and night lighting with four light clusters being modelled
Independent directional front/rear cab lighting control
Main lamp and cab lighting override switches for DC users (independent front/rear control)
Two cab window designs modelled
Removable self-centring close coupling mechanism with NEM pockets
Standard NEM fitting N gauge couplers
RP 25 wheels
Newly-tooled detailed body and fittings
Accessory bag with etched nameplates and detailed buffer beam fittings
Clip-fit body for easier DCC fitting
All factory fitted DCC locomotives will be fitted with Dapol’s new Imperium Next 18 decoder
Liveries planned are as follows:
(2D-066-001) 66001 DB Red
(2D-066-002) 66096 EWS
(2D-066-003) 66531 Freightliner Original
(2D-066-004) 66528 Freightliner Powerhaul Madge Elliott MBE - Borders Railway Opening 2015
(2D-066-005) 66706 GBRf Nene Valley
(2D-006-006) 66734 Jubilee Pink Platinum Jubilee
(2D-066-007) 66779 BR Lined Green Evening Star
(2D-066-008) 66428 DRS Plain Blue Carlisle Eden Mind
(2D-066-009) 66846 Colas Rail
Dapol state the Class 66 is in advanced CAD stage and they are eagerly await final CADs. All artworks have been completed and supplied to the factory. They expect to see models in shops in Q2 2024.
Pricing is as follows:
DCC Ready £172.80
DCC Fitted £208.30
DCC Sound £291.60
For more information visit the Dapol Website.