'Deltics' for 'OO' revealed upon fifth anniversary

Model manufacturer, Accurascale is to produce a further production run of its Class 55 Co-Co 'Deltics'. Said to include improvements, the models – its most requested for re-release to date – will see six further variants added. Accurascale is to create new livery and name combinations across five locomotives, and the return of a favourite from its first run owing to popular demand. Four of the locomotives will fit in its main range, and two will be Accurascale Exclusives.

Prices are £169.99 for DC/DCC ready and £259.99 for DCC sound-fitted with 'Accurathrash' features. Delivery is slated for Q1, 2024 with decorated samples due mid-2023. The four main range locomotives will be available via Accurascale’s website and from Accurascale stockists. The two Accurascale exclusives are available direct only via the Accurascale website.

Accurascale said, "[We're] always keen to push the boundaries on any model [] to improve realism and fidelity across the hobby, and bring modellers the greatest replicas in miniature possible. However, [we] can always do better and improve. [We] have taken all the constructive feedback received from the first 'Deltic' production run and built it into a list of tweaks and enhancements [for] the latest production batch."

The brake chains on the bogies have been redesigned to make them stronger and easier to remove when separating the body and chassis for driver fitting, or routine maintenance. They will be a push fit system, meaning easy to remove and attach and no longer requiring glue.

The corner step mounting and fuel tank parts have also been revised, with stronger mountings for a more robust assembly. This will prevent them coming adrift in transit and be stronger under careful handling. Nose handrails will also be improved to give them a more realistic appearance, the speaker baffle will be more secure among other modifications.

New variants promised

• Main Range D9018 Ballymoss

In mid-1960s guise, D9018 in two-tone green features a small yellow panel. The Finsbury Park locomotive is still in mostly original condition, albeit with exhaust and radiator grille modifications and the addition of top lamp irons on the nose ends.

• 55020 Nimbus

One of just three Deltics to never receive plated headcode boxes, 55020 is also notable for retaining the mountings for the cab roof horns worn during the early 1960s. Based on its 1976 condition with standard-sized domino headcodes, alternative smaller dots will be provided.

• 55004 Queen's Own Highlander

The Haymarket-allocated TOPS blue Deltic, 55004 is in 1977 condition, after having its headcode box plated over. Notably this was one of just four members of the fleet to feature unpainted front windscreen frames during the mid- to late-1970s.

• 55013 The Black Watch

Complementing 55022 from the first run is York’s 55013 in its similar special livery with silver fuel tanks, grey roof, red bufferbeams and white-painted extras, which it retained until its withdrawal in October 1981. It was repainted for the 1980 Rainhill Event, but was replaced on the bill by Tulyar.

Accurascale Exclusives

• 55002 / D9000 Royal Scots Grey 'Virgin XC Condition'

The star of its second run and in its preservation era two-tone green while operating Virgin CrossCountry services between 1997 and 1999. Accurascale’s tooling for this locomotive incudes high visibility headlight.

• 9016 Gordon Highlander

Unveiled in Porterbrook Leasing purple after overhaul at Brush Traction’s Loughborough Works in September 1999, 55016 also controversially received WIPAC light clusters at the same time. Main-line registered, it ran in this condition until it was repainted two-tone green in August 2003. The locomotive returns to the range by popular demand.

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