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EFE Rail E87048

Plasser 12T YOB Diesel-Hydraulic Crane DRP81513 Departmental Yellow

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

Prototype Era
Era 7 (1972 to 1982) British Rail Blue (TOPS)

Manufacturer description

The Plasser 12 Ton General Purpose Diesel-Hydraulic Crane is the next model to be designed and developed from the rails up for Bachmann’s EFE Rail range. These self-propelled cranes were given the TOPS code ‘YOB’ following their introduction in the mid-1970s. Used countrywide primarily at track relaying work sites, the cranes would be transported to site within engineering trains, but being self-propelled they were able to move around site and even perform light shunting during engineering possessions. Their compact nature allowed the YOBs to be used whilst an adjacent line remained open to traffic, thanks to them having no tail swing when the crane was in operation.

The new EFE Rail model brings this important piece of On Track Plant (OTP) to OO scale for the first time. With extensive detailing to be found throughout the model, the true character of these versatile vehicles is captured resulting in a stunning model suited to any layout set in the 1970s onwards. With a high level of decoration including the many markings and safety warnings seen on the prototype, each model is also supplied with an accessory pack containing a set of bufferbeam parts – these can be fitted if the standard coupling is removed first. Removal of the couplings is simple thanks to the use of NEM coupling pockets, which are attached via close-coupling mechanisms. Being unmotorised, each bogie is fitted with metal wheelsets mounted on pin-point axles, with the wheel tyres decorated accordingly. The crane itself is modelled in the stowed position.

This example, No. DRP81513, operated in this condition from the late-1970s until 2004, assigned to Southern Track Renewals.

 

MODEL FEATURES:

• EFE Rail OO Scale
• Era 7
• Pristine Departmental Yellow livery
• Running No. DRP81513
• Accessory Pack
• NEM Coupling Pockets
• Close Coupling Mechanism
• Length 147mm

Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

EFE Rail Plasser 12‑ton YOB diesel‑hydraulic crane, model DRP81513, is presented in pristine Departmental Yellow livery. The OO‑scale model measures 147 mm in length, features NEM coupling pockets with a close‑coupling mechanism, and is supplied with an accessory pack of buffer‑beam parts that can be fitted after removal of the standard couplings. The bogies are unmotorised, fitted with metal wheelsets on pin‑point axles, and the crane is shown in the stowed position.

The prototype was a self‑propelled, general‑purpose crane introduced in the mid‑1970s and given the TOPS code YOB. It was used across the British Rail network for track‑relaying work, capable of light shunting and operating without tail swing, which allowed work on sites adjacent to live lines. This particular unit, number DRP81513, served Southern Track Renewals from the late 1970s until 2004.

The model belongs to EFE Rail’s Era 7 range and represents the British Rail Blue period (TOPS). It is a faithful, highly detailed replica of the original departmental bogie crane, suitable for layouts depicting the 1970s onward.