Railway Models UK

Accurascale has announced the third production batch of Class 66 diesel locomotives, celebrating 28 years of the type in the UK with a carefully curated selection of prototypes and a series of tooling enhancements.

The latest run builds on the success of earlier releases, which have received industry acclaim and are highly sought after by modelers and collectors.

This third batch showcases the evolution of the class from its launch in 1998 to the present day. Prototypes have been chosen to highlight key stages in development and operation, and subtle tooling updates help preserve fidelity to the real locomotives.

A notable entry is DB Cargo locomotive 66091, which was named Accurascale in July 2025 to recognise the manufacturer’s charity fund‑raising work, including support for Martin House Children’s Hospice.

The new batch incorporates a diverse range of colours across multiple operators and eras.

66017 is represented in DB Cargo red, reflecting its condition after delivery in EWS maroon and gold in 1998.
66091 appears in DB Cargo red following its return to the operator in 2024 and subsequent naming in 2025, having previously been in EWS livery and a period in plain DRS blue.
66501 is finished in its 2025 Freightliner 60 orange livery, applied after overhaul and renaming to Spirit of '65.
66601 is depicted in its 2025 dark green commemorative scheme, applied at Eastleigh after many years in its original condition.
66587 is included in the Ocean Network Express magenta livery introduced in 2019, bearing the name As One, We Can.

Accurascale reports that this production run will incorporate a number of tooling refinements designed to reflect developments within the Class 66 fleet.

Updates will include a newly tooled exhaust silencer with a revised profile and improved detailing, along with handbrake linkages moulded in the off position. An etched middle handrail bracket is fitted to cab fronts where appropriate.

Additional features enable the representation of roof‑mounted Wi‑Fi pods, Freightliner cab door handle modifications, and locomotives equipped with BMAC replacement lighting units. Revised buffer beam configurations have also been introduced to support greater prototype variation across the range.

The selected locomotives illustrate a cross‑section of Class 66 development and operation over almost three decades.

66017, delivered in 1998 aboard MV Fairmast, is one of three class members fitted with tripcocks for use over London Underground tracks, with later additions including buckeye couplings and mirrors.
66091 entered service in 1999 and retained EWS livery until 2020, before a period in DRS blue and a return to DB Cargo, culminating in its naming in 2025.
66501, Freightliner’s first Class 66, was delivered in 1999 and has since received a commemorative livery and modifications to the driver’s door.
66601, the first of the 66/6 subclass introduced in 2000, was designed for heavier haulage and has recently been repainted into a commemorative scheme.
66587, introduced in 2007, gained prominence following its repainting into Ocean Network Express colours in 2019 and now also features updated door arrangements.

Prices remain unchanged from the previous release.

DCC‑ready models are priced at £179.95, while DCC‑sound fitted versions are available at £279.95. Orders include free UK postage and packaging, along with Accurascale reward points for use against future purchases.

The models are scheduled for release in the third quarter of 2027 and will be available through a network of more than 170 retailers, as well as directly from Accurascale.

Accurascaleannounces third run of Class 66

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