Revolution Trains offers Class 59 for 'N'

Revolution Trains is producing models of the Class 59 Co-Co diesel as its next locomotive model in N gauge. The Class 59 will be Revolution’s second N gauge locomotive, following its recently-released Class 92.

CAD work has been completed and Revolution is anticipating first samples in time for The International N Gauge Show on September 11 and 12.  Tooling has been designed to incorporate detail differences and enable all locomotives in the class to be depicted, including GBRf’s 59003 with its centre marker light above the windscreen.

Revolution has secured licences to produce the models in all liveries, including the latest GBRf and Freightliner G&W schemes. Ben Ando, co-director of Revolution Trains, said, “The Class 59 is the vital missing link for modern image N gauge enthusiasts.  As the immediate predecessor to the now ubiquitous Class 66 their place in Britain’s rail history cannot be overstated, and we are delighted to be working with Freightliner, GBRf, Arlington Fleet Services, Aggregate Industries and Hanson to do justice to this impressive design.”

Models are expected to include detail differences between subtypes, switchable directional lights, low-friction pick-ups, NEM couplers, photo-etched roof and side grilles, a sound speaker hidden in the underslung fuel tank as standard, and a "powerful" drivetrain.

In addition, different bogies, exhausts and bodyshells are being tooled to allow for the differences between subclasses – and between individual locomotives in each subclass – to be accommodated.

These variations include the position of the exhaust, bogie dampers, NRN roof pods, cab handrail recesses, roof hatches, lashing loops, fire extinguishers on 59/2s and the commemorative bell at one end only for models depicting 59001 and 59201.

Models are said to be supplied with one end super-detailed, with an air dam, however a slotted alternative will be supplied for those who prefer to have working couplers at both ends.

The model has also been designed so that the angled solebar supports are separate, allowing the extensive detailing in this area to be more convincingly portrayed. A "next generation die-cast chassis" weighing approx. 115g with low friction, centre sprung pickups and low gearing for smooth running is promised. For ease of DCC conversion, a removable centre section as per prototypes will feature.

“The Class 59 is the perfect accompaniment to our HOA hoppers and JNA box wagons,” said Revolution Trains co-director Mike Hale, “and is the obvious choice for our next locomotive model. We’re working hard to ensure it’s an even better model than the Class 92. We have been working on this model for some considerable time, and with Class 59s having performed with staggering reliability over the last four decades, it is time a high-quality mass-market model was available to N gauge enthusiasts.”

Rails of Sheffield has commissioned models of GBRf’s 59003 in both the original GBRf livery with red/blue circular arcs on the bodyside, and the revised livery now in use with squared-off bodyside blue panel.  These models are to feature the modifications made during its time on the continent when it was fitted with a marker light above the windscreen and rectangular buffers.

Rainbow Railways is to offer a ‘First and Last’ Class 59/2 twin pack of 59201 and 59206 representing the locomotives as they were delivered in the mid-1990s in National Power’s stylish blue and pale grey livery.

Versions being offered are:

Further details, including current pricing and availability can be found on the Revolution Trains website.

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