18 September 2023
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This all-new electro-diesel for 7mm:1ft scale is also the manufacturer's most-detailed model to date. Here's why...
It’s a big locomotive and in the vibrant yellow of Network Rail, makes for a bright model, and one that we're in awe of. Great thought has gone into this model. Let's examine some of the features:
1
Bogies retain the solid internal frame of previous models, which houses the gear-train, surrounded by outer cosmetic frames, yet they're very well-concealed. From this view, almost impossible to see.
Related: Read more of what Howard Smith thinks of this model in the November 2023 issue of BRM, on-sale October 5 in print, or get your digital copy sooner with a World of Railways Plus subscription.
2
Animated arc flashes are a first for the manufacturer. Lit by surface-mounted diodes (SMDs) mounted to the underside of retractable collector shoes (these can be raised and lowered).
3
A 'peek' at the inside of the cab through the windows gives little away under natural light, as is to be expected, but with the cab light lit, it's a different story! The feature is best demonstrated when an ESU LokSound XL (58515) decoder is installed for which the chassis is ‘plug-and-play’ ready.
4
A fancy front end – the contrast between Network Rail yellow and late warning panel yellow is obvious here. If you're wondering – yes the 'buckeye' coupling works, and drops down to reveal the hook for inter-operability with other stock. The corridor connection wear plates are supplied loose in the accessory bag, fitting into the lugs provided.
5
Beneath, there's a collection of microswitches for those that want to configure lights without a decoder. A little trace of 'ghosting' from superglue fumes to the underside was the only sign that adhesive had been used across the model.
I’m truly in awe of the thought that has gone into this model. The fitment of an ESU smoke unit is made easier with locating points provided in the chassis. It's everything you could possibly want from an O gauge model, and then some – a pioneer of sorts, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the scale to ever-greater standards.
Read more of what Howard Smith thinks of this model in the November 2023 issue of BRM, on-sale October 5 in print, or get your digital copy sooner with a World of Railways Plus subscription.
