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Dapol 4D-003-016D

Western Duke Class 52 BR Chromatic Blue SYE D1043 Large Double Arrows - 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 Blue
• 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.

Dapol’s OO gauge model of the British Rail Class 52 “Western” locomotive is presented in a pristine Chromatic Blue livery, carrying the running number D1043. The model is DCC fitted, with directional lighting, all‑wheel power pickup and NEM/tension‑lock couplings. It measures 275 mm in length, 34 mm in width and 49 mm in height, and can negotiate the minimum radius curve of “Radius 2”.

The original Class 52 locomotives were built between 1961 and 1964 at Swindon and Crewe Works, with a total production run of 74 units. They were diesel‑hydraulic, Co‑Co wheel arrangement, powered by twin Maybach engines and a Voith three‑speed hydraulic transmission, capable of a maximum speed of 90 mph. Designed for the Western Region of British Rail, they served both freight and passenger duties until being replaced from 1977 by Class 50s and Class 43 HSTs.

Key features of the Dapol model include etched roof‑fan grilles, separately fitted handrails, finely detailed cast wheels and metal‑sprung buffers. Power is supplied by a 5‑pole Super‑Creep motor with twin brass flywheels, providing controlled pulling power and very slow running speed. A PCB board controls independent directional and cab lighting, while an alternative valance enables operation on tighter curves. The kit also contains separately etched name and number plates and an accessory bag with optional fitted components.

Sound is provided by a Soundtraxx STX882106 diesel decoder (speaker required). The model runs on 2‑rail DCC track and is supplied in a pristine finish, reflecting detailed collaborative work and a laser scan of the Western Champion locomotive.