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Dapol 4D-003-014D

Western Harrier Class 52 BR Maroon Yellow Buffer Beam D1008 - DCC Fitted

Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI images rather than photographs

Prototype Eras
Era 5 (1956 to 1966) British Railways Late Crest
Era 6 (1967 to 1972) British Rail Blue (Pre-TOPS)

Manufacturer description

The Class 52 diesel hydraulic locomotive was introduced by BR Western Region in 1962 to provide improved top end freight and passenger service unobtainable from the lesser powered Hymeks and Warships. At this time the required power output was not achievable by a single power unit and the Westerns were fitted with two Maybach engines coupled with a Voith 3 speed hydraulic transmission.

This had the added advantage that the locomotive could run, if necessary, on one engine which reduced the levels of breakdown and rescue previously experienced. The major drawback with the design however, was the high gear ratio experienced with the Voith hydraulic transmission. This meant that the acclaimed top speed of 90MPH was very hard to achieve and the locomotive experienced increased wear and tear, resulting in high maintenance and overall operating costs.

In the end these disadvantages resulted in the replacement by 1977 of the Western with Class 50s and Class 43 HSTs. The classic elegant design, sweeping curves and unmistakable presence has meant that this locomotive has been a firm favourite with diesel aficionados. The Dapol OO Western has captured this character through detailed collaborative work with fellow modellers and from a detailed laser scan of Western Champion.

MODEL
These great little models feature lots of details including etched grills, directional lighting, and finely printed external logos and numbering.

FEATURES

• Detailed body with etched roof fan grilles and separately fitted handrails
• Finely detailed cast wheels
• Metal sprung buffers
• All wheel drive and pick up
• 5 pole Super creep motor with twin brass fly wheels for controlled pulling power and incredible slow running speed
• PCB board to incorporate independent directional lights and cab lighting
• Alternate valance supplied for negotiating tighter radius curves
• NEM Coupling pockets
• Separately etched name and number plates
• Accessory bag with optional fitted components

SPECIFICATIONS

• CLASS 52 (Western)
• LIVERY BR Maroon
• ERA 5 (1957 - 1966)
• WHEEL CONFIGURATION Co-Co
• DCC TYPE DCC Fitted
• SOUND Use STX882106 Diesel Sound Decoder by Soundtraxx (Speaker Required)
• TRACK SUPPLY 2 Rail DCC
• FINISH Pristine

MEASUREMENTS

• LENGTH OVER BUFFER 275mm
• WIDTH 34mm
• HEIGHT 49mm

Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

^* Class names often change over the lifespan of a locomotive, so this is not necessarily the class name used by the operator in the period modelled.

The Dapol OO gauge model is a DCC‑fitted representation of British Rail Class 52 “Western” locomotive D1008, finished in pristine condition and liveried in BR Maroon with the original running number and name “Western Harrier”. It measures 275 mm over buffers, 34 mm wide and 49 mm high, and is equipped with all‑wheel power pickup, NEM/Tension‑lock couplings and a metal‑sprung buffer. The locomotive is fitted with a 5‑pole Super‑creep motor, twin brass flywheels, a PCB for independent directional and cab lighting, and a Voith‑type hydraulic transmission sound decoder (STX882106, speaker required).

The model accurately reproduces the Co‑Co wheel arrangement and external details of the original diesel‑hydraulic locomotive built at Swindon and Crewe Works between 1961 and 1964, of which 74 were produced. It represents the late‑crest era of British Railways (era 5, 1957‑1966) and is capable of running on 2‑rail DCC track with a minimum curve radius of 2 units. The model includes etched roof‑fan grilles, handrails, cast wheels, separate name and number plates, an alternate valance for tighter curves and an accessory bag containing optional fitted components.

Key specifications: gauge OO; DCC type DCC‑fitted; finish pristine; livery BR Maroon; max speed of the prototype 90 mph; wheel configuration Co‑Co; built by Swindon Works and Crewe Works; manufacturer part number 4D‑003‑014D; period represented – British Railways late crest. The model was released to capture the classic design and sweeping curves of the Western class, appealing to diesel enthusiasts and model railway collectors alike.