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Dapol 4D-003-018D

Western Prince Class 52 BR Blue FYE D1041 - 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 OO gauge model of the British Rail Class 52 “Western” locomotive, reference number 4D‑003‑018D. The model is DCC fitted, finished in pristine condition with BR Blue livery, running number D1041 and name Western Prince. It measures 275 mm long, 34 mm wide and 49 mm high, rides on a minimum radius of 2, and picks up power from all wheels. Coupling is provided by NEM pockets with tension lock, and the motive power is represented as diesel. The prototype was built between 1961 and 1964 at Swindon and Crewe Works, with a total of 74 produced; it is a Co‑Co, 90 mph locomotive operated by British Rail.

The Class 52 was introduced by the Western Region of British Rail in 1962 to provide higher power for freight and passenger services than the earlier Hymek and Warship types. It employed two Maybach engines coupled to a Voith three‑speed hydraulic transmission and could operate on a single engine if required. Although capable of 90 mph, the high gear ratio of the transmission made this speed difficult to achieve and caused increased wear, leading to higher maintenance costs. By 1977 the class was superseded by Class 50 locomotives and Class 43 HSTs, but its distinctive design remains popular with diesel enthusiasts.

Model features include etched roof‑fan grilles, separately fitted handrails, finely detailed cast wheels and metal‑sprung buffers, all‑wheel drive with a 5‑pole super‑creep motor and twin brass flywheels for smooth pulling and slow running, and a PCB board supplying independent directional cab lighting. An alternate valance is supplied for tighter curves, and separate etched name and number plates are provided. The model uses a STX882106 diesel sound decoder (speaker required) and operates on 2‑rail DCC track. An accessory bag contains optional fitted components.