Revolution reveals Class 99 in Berlin

The locomotives are being financed by Beacon Rail and built by Stadler, and are based on the successful EuroDual design, albeit made narrower and lower to fit the British loading gauge.

Revolution has secured licences from all three companies and was invited by Beacon Rail onto its stand at Innotrans to unveil the model.

CAD is almost complete and Revolution is aiming for the locomotives to ship once the real things enter squadron service. The models will be available in DC form, with switchable light functions, and DCC Sound, with options including working roof fans and a pantograph that can be remotely raised or lowered.

GBRf has ordered 30 Class 99s, which can be powered either by 25kV OHLE or via an onboard Stage V low-emission diesel. The locomotive is a significant step towards greater de-carbonisation, and when used on trains currently hauled by Class 66s, will remove more than half a million tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere.

Although the Class 99 shares a superficial similarity to the Rail Operations Group Class 93 tri-mode locomotives already being offered by Revolution Trains, the cab design does have numerous subtle differences.

Revolution’s Mike Hale said: “The Class 99 is set to become the next generation replacement for the ubiquitous Class 66, and as a forward-thinking company it seemed logical for Revolution Trains to add it to our range.”

Revolution’s Ben Ando added: “We’ve learned about the unique challenges presented when producing models of very new vehicles, like the Class 18 battery-hybrid shunter and Class 93 tri-mode locomotive, and we are delighted to add the Class 99 to our up-to-the-minute portfolio of models.”

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