Revolution Trains Announce Class 59 in N

Revolution Trains has announced that the subject of its next N gauge powered model will be the pioneering General Motors Class 59 Co-Co diesel-electric locomotive.

The Class 59 was the first US produced, privately-owned locomotive to operate regularly in the UK. The first four class members were commissioned by the Somerset-based quarrying company Foster Yeomans, who were dissatisfaction with the performance of the BR Class 56. Built by General Motors Electromotive Division these proved very successful; with one locomotive setting a new UK haulage record for a single locomotive of 4639 tonnes. Foster Yeomans rivals, Amey Roadstone Corp. (ARC), ordered a further four modified Class 59/1, as did National Power, who ordered six 59/2. The class formed basis for the highly successful Class 66, which is currently operated by most British and some European freight operators.

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 Revolution model will cater for the various detail differences between subtypes, including the position of the exhaust, the bogie dampers, the NRN roof pods, cab handrail recesses, roof hatches, lashing loops, fire extinguishers on 59/2s and commemorative bell unique to 59 001 and 59 201.

Specifications include a diecast chassis (weighing approx. 115g), switchable directional lighting, low friction pickups, NEM couplers, photo-etched roof and side grilles, and factory-fitted speaker hidden in the underslung fuel tank. Access to the DCC socket is via a removable centre section. The models will be supplied with one end super detailed, with a full air dam, however a slotted alternative will be supplied for those who prefer to have working couplers at both ends.

Sixteen liveries/identities are planned for releases; covering both original and revised Foster Yeoman liveries, ARC yellow, Hanson blue/grey, Aggregate Industries, EWS maroon, DB red and Freightliner G&W orange. A number of retailer commissions are also planned; two versions of 59 003 in both the original GBRf livery with red/blue circular arcs on the bodyside, and revised livery with squared off bodyside blue panels will be produced exclusively for Rails of Sheffield (these models will correctly feature the modifications made during the locomotives time on the continent with marker light above the windscreen and rectangular buffers). An exclusive ‘First and Last’ Class 59/2 twin pack featuring 59 201 and 59 206 in ‘as deliveried’ National Power blue is also set to be produced for Linlithgow-based retailer Rainbow Railways.

These models are available to pre-order from Revolution Trains; priced £124.95 DCC ready (limited time earlybird price £114.95 including free postage), £150.00 DCC fitted and £250.00 for DCC sound fitted versions.