Dapol to release GWR streamlined diesel railcar in O

Dapol is to produce O gauge models of streamlined GWR diesel railcars, nicknamed 'flying bananas'. Already at decorated sample stage, the new models are to be produced in five liveries, covering their lifespan from 1933 into the 1960s.

Separate handrails, handles and horn detail is to be applied, where appropriate, while removable gearbox covers are to be supplied in the accessory pack.

Models boast an impressive specification, including directional and passenger compartment lighting with wall lights, cab lights and two running light configurations. On relevant models the lamp bracket can be exchanged for a working tail lamp for prototypical running.

Available in DC, DCC-fitted and DCC sound-fitted guises (21-pin socket), a removable plate is said to enable easier access for DCC fitting, while DC users will be offered manual control of lighting features using the control switches on models.

Luggage doors will be made operational, allowing the modeller to create dioramas with ease.

Correct flooring height with prototypical two level decorated seating, and flush glazing with a single window posed in the open position for passenger ventilation will feature.

Wall lights will feature inside the model which has been designed for passengers to be added with ease.

Suitable for second radius curves, the model will feature all-wheel pick-up, a die-cast chassis and low-profile five-pole skew-wound motor driving one of its bogies. Watch a presentation video of this new model by Dapol's marketing Manager, Neil Morrlle:

The first diesel railcar was introduced by the GWR in 1933 and was to prove successful on small branch lines which might have been forced with closure. The single-car units continued in operation into the 1960s when their use was eclipsed by the introduction of the BR first generation DMUs. Their art deco air-smoothed styling led to their nickname of 'Flying Banana', though later variants were produced to a more angular style. 38 GWR diesel railcars were produced from 1933 to 1942 at three different sites, with three surviving into preservation.

Dapol is to produce the following variants:

• (7D-011-001) Streamlined Railcar 12 Lined Chocolate & Cream GWR Monogram
• (7D-011-001D) Streamlined Railcar 12 Lined Chocolate & Cream GWR Monogram DCC
• (7D-011-001S) Streamlined Railcar 12 Lined Chocolate & Cream GWR Monogram DCC Sound Fitted

• (7D-011-002) Streamlined Railcar 10 Lined Chocolate & Cream GWR Monogram
• (7D-011-002D) Streamlined Railcar 10 Lined Chocolate & Cream GWR Monogram DCC
• (7D-011-002S) Streamlined Railcar 10 Lined Chocolate & Cream GWR Monogram DCC Sound Fitted

• (7D-011-003) Streamlined Railcar 16 Lined Chocolate& Cream GWR Twin Cities
• (7D-011-003D) Streamlined Railcar 16 Lined Chocolate & Cream GWR Twin Cities DCC
• (7D-011-003S) Streamlined Railcar 16 Lined Chocolate & Cream GWR Twin Cities DCC Sound Fitted

• (7D-011-004) Streamlined Railcar W11 BR Lined Chocolate & Cream
• (7D-011-004D) Streamlined Railcar W11 BR Lined Chocolate & Cream DCC
• (7D-011-004S) Streamlined Railcar W11 BR Lined Chocolate & Cream DCC Sound Fitted

• (7D-011-005) Streamlined Railcar W8W BR Lined Carmine & Cream
• (7D-011-005D) Streamlined Railcar W8W BR Lined Carmine & Cream DCC
• (7D-011-005S) Streamlined Railcar W8W BR Lined Carmine & Cream DCC Sound Fitted

Formore information, including pricing and availability, visit the Dapol website, or see your local retailer.