Revolution Trains is to unveil a brand new tool N gauge Class 66 diesel locomotive at the Warley National Model Railway show being held at the NEC this November.
The model is based on the Class 59 now in production and expected to ship to customers before the end of the year. It will feature similar specifications in terms of lighting functions and detail features.
In a break from its usual pre-order methodology, Revolution has already tooled this model and EP samples, along with decorated models, will be on display.
It means the usual development time has been significantly reduced, and the models are expected to ship as early as summer 2024.
The tooling produced by Revolution allows for both original tier 1 and later tier 2 (low emission) variations and also enables us to offer the myriad variations now in service, including the Euro imports operated by GBRf and the final locomotives built at Muncie, Indiana which have slightly different cabs and sandboxes.
It total there are 15 CAD variations available, and while in the first run of models not all of these will be used it is intended that new 66s will be added to the Revolution roster in an ongoing program of annual releases.
In addition, we are offering a new Revolution Bespoke service which enables customers to select their own running numbers on popular liveries for a small additional fee. This service does not apply to one-offs or unique liveries.
Revolution director Ben Ando says: “Having produced the 59 the 66 was really a no-brainer, and we know this is probably one of the worst kept secrets in the hobby.
“The Class 66s revolutionised railfreight in Britain when the first arrived a quarter of a century ago; we are hoping that our high-spec model will have a similar impact for N gauge enthusiasts.”
Revolution co-director Mike Hale added: “Once we decided to offer a 66 we were keen to be able to offer not just the standard loco but many of the odd-ball Euro imports too. We won’t be able to offer these all at once, but going forward we look forward to offering interesting variety to our customers’ fleets.”
The first releases from Revolution Trains will comprise the following:
Tier 1 locomotives
66083 EWS maroon. With swing-head buckeye coupler and driver mirrors.
66128 DB red. As 66083 but with BMAC-2 lights.
66538 Freightliner green. With gas discharge lights.
66704 GBRf. Original form with BMAC lights and early lettering.
66795 GBRf. Ex-RushRail loco with UIC buffers and Euro horn grille.
66404 DRS Compass.
66846 Colas.
Tier 2 locomotives
66720 ‘Wascosa’ GBRf.
66623 Freightliner G&W. Early repaint into the new livery.
66303 DRS plain blue livery.
66752 GBRf Europorte. Representative of the locos built in Muncie, Indiana.
And with Revolution Bespoke customers could have instead, for example, any of 66003-200 in EWS or DB, 66539-81 in Freightliner, 66401-10 in DR Compass, 66841-50 in Colas, 66582-99 in Freightliner G&W and 66701-7, 66798-9, or 66718-22 in variations of GBRf.
In addition several retailer specials are expected to be announced either before or soon after the Warley show.
The models are expected to debut with a limited time discounted pre-order price of £144.95
EP samples have been tested and approved and we are part way through completing decorated sampling. The models are expected to go into production soon after Chinese New Year and ship in summer 2024.
For more information, visit the Revolution Trains website