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EFE Rail E87109

Plasser 12T YOB Diesel-Hydraulic Crane DRP81517 Balfour Beatty

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

Prototype Era
Era 9 (1995 to 2004) Initial Privatisation

Manufacturer description

The Plasser 12 Ton General Purpose Diesel-Hydraulic Crane returns to the 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 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. DRP81517 appears in the corporate blue and white of Balfour Beatty.

 

MODEL FEATURES:

• EFE Rail OO Scale
• Era 9
• Pristine Balfour Beatty livery
• Running No. DRP81517
• Accessory Pack
• NEM Coupling Pockets
• Close Coupling Mechanism
• Length 147mm

Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

The Plasser 12‑ton General Purpose Diesel‑Hydraulic Crane, TOPS code “YOB”, was introduced in the mid‑1970s and operated throughout the initial privatisation period of British rail. It was used countrywide on track‑relaying sites, capable of moving around the work area and performing light shunting while an adjacent line remained open, thanks to its compact design and lack of tail swing.

EFE Rail produce an OO‑scale model of this on‑track plant for the first time. The model is built to a length of 147 mm, with metal wheelsets on pin‑point axles and a stowed crane. It features extensive detailing, including the prototype’s markings and safety warnings, and is supplied with an accessory pack of buffer‑beam parts that can be fitted after removing the standard NEM couplings via close‑coupling mechanisms.

The example shown carries the corporate blue and white livery of Balfour Beatty and bears the running number DRP81517. It is identified by the manufacturer part number E87109 and belongs to Era 9 for the 1970s onward. The model is unmotorised and includes NEM coupling pockets for easy fitting.