First EP for Revolution’s Class 59
Revolution Trains has taken delivery of the first Engineering Prototype (EP) sample of its newly-tooled ‘N’ gauge Class 59 diesel (HM172) for evaluation.
First introduced in the mid-1980s, these General Motors-built machines became the first privately-owned main line diesel locomotives to operate on BR metals, designated Class 59. Three sub-classes were built, with Class 59/0s appearing initially for Foster Yeoman aggregates traffic, followed in due course by examples for ARC aggregates (Class 59/1) and National Power coal traffic (Class 59/2).
Revolution Trains’ extensive tooling suite is set to include two types of bogie and exhaust, original and revised lighting arrangements as well as single and double-handled doors to enable most detail combinations throughout the Class 59s’ existence to be modelled – including unique 59003. For such a relatively small class of locomotives, there are a surprising number of detail differences between them, which will be reflected in model form. (note: some of the detail combinations shown may not be correct, as the purpose of the sample is to demonstrate fitment of parts).
The manufacturer plans to cover the various colour schemes carried through the years including original and revised Yeoman (59/0), ARC (59/1), Aggregates Industries (59/0), Hanson (59/1), EWS (59/2), DB Schenker (59/2) and present-day Freightliner (59/2) liveries. A National Power first and last twin-pack containing 59201 and 59206 in NP livery is also planned. Finally, two exclusive editions of unique 59003 in GB Railfreight ‘Europorte’ and present-day GB Railfreight colour schemes are also planned for Rails of Sheffield.
Prices for standard releases are set at £124.95 DCC ready and £219.95 DCC sound-fitted, while the Rails of Sheffield exclusive editions are priced at £159.95 each, DCC ready. The National Power first and last twin-pack is priced £300, DCC ready.
Visit www.revolutiontrains.com for more information.
