Dapol 4D-005-001DSM

Class 59 103 'Village of Mells' ARC Diesel Locomotive DCC Fitted with Smoke

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

Prototype Eras
Era 8 (1983 to 1994) British Rail Sectorisation
Era 9 (1995 to 2004) Initial Privatisation

Manufacturer description
Factory fitted Smoke Generator option available with DCC only. 

(DCC Only) Optional clag smoke simulation on initial acceleration

The Class 59 is a Co-Co formation diesel locomotive and the first US produced, privately-owned locomotive to operate regularly in the UK. The ordering of the first Class 59 was a result of quarry company Foster Yeoman’s dissatisfaction with the performance of the BR Class 56. The first 4 locomotives built by GM’s Electromotive Division were delivered to Foster Yeoman during 1986 and 59005 in 1989.

Proving very successful; one locomotive setting a new UK haulage record for a single locomotive of 4639 tonnes. Foster Yeoman’s rivals, Amey Roadstone Corp. (ARC) also ordered four modified Class 59s (59/1) as did National Power, who ordered six (59/2). GM invested in this initial UK success by extensively modifying the class 59 internally to produce the Class 66, also hugely successful, within both the UK and continental Europe. Other than 59003 (which after return from loan to HHPI in Germany, is operated by GBRf), the Class 59 fleet is operated today by DB Schenker and Mendip Rail (an ARC and FY joint venture).

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

FEATURES


SPECIFICATIONS


MEASUREMENTS

Catalogue listing

Brand
Dapol
Product Code
4D-005-001DSM
GTIN
5016927048587
RRP
£237.55

Model details

DCC status
DCC Fitted
Minimum radius curve
Radius 2
Power pickup
All wheels
Coupling
NEM / Tension lock
Tooling date
2022
Based on preserved
No
Directional lighting
No
Finish
Pristine
Livery
Yellow & Grey
Passenger figures
No
Pickup in tender
No
Minimum radius
Radius 2
Coupling type
Tension lock
Coupling mount
NEM pockets
Chassis construction
Heavy diecast
Scale
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale)
Features
Interior lighting

Prototype information

Locomotive type
Diesel-Electric
In service until
Present
Main duties
Heavy Freight
Operated by
ARC
DB Cargo
EWS
GB Railfreight
Foster Yeoman
Freightliner
Mendip Rail
National Power
Wheel configuration
Co-Co
Tractive effort
122,000 lbf
Total built
15
Build dates
1985 to 1995
Builder
General Motors Electro Motive Division
Locomotive class*
Class 59
Motive power
Diesel
Wheel arrangement
Co-Co
Built by
General Motors Electro Motive Division

* 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.

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Related products

Dapol Class 59 103 ‘Village of Mells’ is an 00‑scale model of a British Rail diesel locomotive, fitted with Digital Command Control (DCC) and an optional factory‑fitted smoke generator. The model is presented in a pristine yellow and grey livery and carries the running number 59103.

The locomotive is a Co‑Co formation with power pickup from all wheels and an NEM/tension‑lock coupling. It includes interior cab lighting, independently directional headlamps, and a clag smoke effect on initial acceleration. Dimensions are 278 mm over buffers, 34 mm wide and 49 mm high. The model reproduces the original’s maximum speed of 75 mph and is built to a 2‑chain minimum curve radius.

The prototype Class 59 was built by General Motors Electro‑Motive Division between 1985 and 1995, with a total production run of fifteen units. It was the first US‑produced, privately owned diesel locomotive to operate regularly in the United Kingdom and was used by the Amey Roadstone Corp (ARC) during the British Rail sectorisation era (1982–1994).

Key features of the Dapol model include a heavy die‑cast chassis, cast wheels with fine relief and appropriate colour, finely moulded bodywork with etched grills, printed name plates (etched plates supplied separately), and all‑wheel DCC pickup. The model is supplied in a pristine finish and is ready for use on DCC‑equipped track.

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