Dapol's ‘Hoover'

It has taken more than nine years to see the arrival of a finished ‘N’ gauge Class 50 from Dapol since the first views of the model, in the form of CAD impressions, were unveiled. A lot of water and model development has passed under the bridge during that time, so how does the new model measure up?

CLASS 50 locomotives are perennial favourites among enthusiasts and modellers alike, making the long interval in the development of Dapol’s modern standard ‘N’ gauge model something of a surprise.

It seems to have become lost in the many changes that have taken place at the company, a situation now remedied by the September arrival of a clutch of models in both refurbished and original condition, decorated in several useful liveries. It has received a warm welcome, being viewed as a considerable improvement over the ageing Graham Farish model, both in shape and performance.

Fifty ‘Fifties’

Fifty Class 50s were introduced in 1967, constructed by English Electric at its Vulcan Foundry in Newton le Willows in just over a year and numbered D400-449 (eventually No. 50001-050 under TOPS). First leased to BR, the locomotives provided 100mph traction with electric train supply for Intercity services on the non-electrified section of the West Coast Main Line between Crewe and Glasgow Central, until electrification was completed, making the ‘original condition’ version of the model, finished in BR blue livery, welcome for modellers of the West Coast and Scottish borders in the 1967-1974 era.

When electrification was completed in 1974, the class migrated to the Great Western Main Line for Intercity services originating from London Paddington. It was also acquired by BR when the 10-year lease from English Electric matured. Its dominance of Great Western services was already on the wane on its arrival on Great Western metals with the imminent introduction of the High Speed Train.