Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI images rather than photographs
Prototype Eras
Era 2 (1875 to 1923) Pre-grouping
Era 3 (1923 to 1947) The Big Four (LNER, LMS, GWR and SR)
The locomotive will have all of the usual refinements that are expected to be found on all Dapol models including:
Technical Specification
The 517 Class were small 0-4-2T tank engines designed by George Armstrong for local passenger work on the Great Western Railway. 144 were built at Wolverhampton Works in 13 lots and were outshopped between 1868 and 1885. During the late 1880’s and early 1890’s most had their wheelbases lengthened to 15 foot 6 inches and from 1904 onwards several were converted to auto train working which scattered them over the system. When Charles Collett became CME, during 1924 he widened the tanks and provided a new cab with extended bunker which became the Swindon rebuild and outwardly looked very similar to the later 48xx class he designed in 1932. The last of the class 1159 was withdrawn in August 1947 just missing out on nationalization. All members of the class were disposed of with none making it into preservations Dapol will be making models having the later modified chassis with longer wheel base and side tanks replacing the saddle tanks including open and closed cab versions.
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Dapol GWR 517 Class 0‑4‑2 1159 G.W. Green ‘Great Western’ steam locomotive is a ready‑to‑run (DCC 18) model supplied under the manufacturer part number 4S‑517‑005. It represents the pre‑grouping period of the Great Western Railway.
The model incorporates a die‑cast chassis, running plate and wheels with metal tyres, as well as a die‑cast boiler and firebox (offering two firebox types). The chassis is fully compensated and fitted with a core‑less motor. Cab options include open, closed and the later Collett design, each with detailed interior fittings and a removable roof held by magnets. Both tall and short chimney variants are available, together with Churchward sprung tapered‑shank buffers and a high level of separate detail, including printed number plates and etched accessory plates.
Electronics are provided via a slide‑in PCB that allows tool‑free installation of a NEXT‑18 DCC decoder and a no‑solder speaker connection. The board passes through the smoke‑box door to connect directly to the locomotive’s motherboard, providing firebox glow synchronised with sound, RealDrive functionality and optional DCC ready, DCC fitted or DCC sound fitted configurations.
Historically, the 517 Class were small 0‑4‑2T tank engines designed by George Armstrong for local passenger work on the Great Western Railway. A total of 144 were built at Wolverhampton Works between 1868 and 1885. Many were later modified with longer wheelbases and side tanks, and from 1924 under Charles Collett the class received widened tanks and a new cab similar to the later 48xx class. The final member, number 1159, was withdrawn in August 1947, just before nationalisation, and none survived into preservation. Dapol’s version reflects the later modified chassis with the longer wheelbase and side tanks, offered in both open and closed cab versions.