Dapol has received the first engineering protoypes for its long-promised OO models of the BR Class 21/29 Bo-Bo diesel electric locomotives.
The Class 21s were constructed by the North British in Glasgow, with the first completed in 1958. Equipped with MAN power units, the rest of the production batch commenced delivery from May 1959, all being allocated to Eastern Region depots around London. However, major reliability issues were soon identified, which saw the fleet reallocated to Scotland – in part so that they were closer to the manufacturer’s premises for repair work to be undertaken. In 1963 one example received a Paxman power unit, which was deemed to be much more reliable. A total of 20 were re-engined thus, these being reclassified as Class 29s and continued to operate in Scotland. The remaining 21s lasted until 1968, the 29s remaining in traffic until 1971. None were preserved.
The Dapol models (the 21s and 29s are being developed in tandem) will feature etched bodyside and roof grilles, separate handrails, sprung buffers, all-wheel pick-up and independent directional and cab lighting. Power will be provided by a five-pole motor with twin brass flywheels.
Four Versions
Four versions of the Class 21 are planned; two in BR plain green and two in BR green with small yellow warning panels. There will also be four versions of the Class 29; BR two-tone green with full yellow ends, BR blue with full yellow ends and two in BR green with small yellow panels. Each version is available DCC ready (MSRP £151.94), DCC fitted (MSRP £173.93) or DCC sound fitted (MSRP £293.93).
It should be noted that the samples illustrated here have been evaluated by the manufacturer’s design team and a series of revisions are to be made, with delivery of production models planned for the fourth quarter of 2018.
