It's electric! Class 87 promised for 'N'

Models of the 'Bo-Bo' Class 87 electric locomotives are being designed by Dapol for N gauge. With CAD design "being finalised", models are expected to being tooling soon, with delivery of models to stockists by Q3, 2024.

Six variants are proposed in DCC ready (RRP: £155.00) and DCC-fitted guise (RRP: £190.00), while a twin-pack is to be produced too (RRP:£300.00, or £370.00 DCC Fitted).

The specification of models is as follows:

• Detailed body and roof with fitted detail items 
• Five-pole motor with controllable slow running speed 
• All-wheel drive and pick-up 
• Finely-detailed (posable/non functional) high-speed and cross-arm pantographs as appropriate 
• Accessory bag with optional fitted parts 

Dapol commented: "Dapol would like to thank the 87035 Group at Crewe Heritage Centre for their invaluable help giving access to their locomotive which helped supplement the other forms of research undertaken in the design of this new model. We are delighted to be able to share with you a selection of CAD images that will help give you an idea of how the model is going to look."

Models proposed are as follows:

• (2D-087-001) 87031 Hal'o'the Wynd BR Blue
• (2D-087-002) 87017 Iron Duke Intercity Swallow
• (2D-087-003) 87035 Robert Burns Virgin Trains
• (2D-087-004) 87022 DRS
• (2D-087-005) 87101 Stephenson BR Blue
• (2D-087-006) 87002 Royal Sovereign Caledonian Sleeper
• (2D-087-007) (Twin Pack) 87006 City of Glasgow 87012 Coeur de Lyon

A total of 36 Class 87 locomotives were introduced from 1973 to work the newly electrified northern section of the West Coast Mainline to Glasgow. These locomotives were based on the successful Class 86 design, featuring a modernised design and capable of generating 5000HP.

The final locomotive in the build was revised to test new thyristor controls and was numbered 87101. With new Mk. 3 coaches, the '87s' became known as the 'Electric Scots' and significantly reduced journey times between Euston and Glasgow. The 87s provided front-line service with British Rail and latterly Virgin Trains until 2005, when replaced by Pendolino EMUs, with many locomotives transferring to other operators or being exported abroad.

Immerse yourself in scenery with our model scenery bundles – view our range.