Dapol N Gauge Bulleid Light Pacific livery samples arrive

The Dapol Bulleid Light Pacifics are possibly one of the most eagerly awaited N Gauge steam outline models of recent times. First announced over 10 years ago, the development of the West Country and Battle of Britain could be best described protracted, but with the reveal of EP samples last year and now livery samples shown at the 2025 International N Gauge show, Southern Region modellers won't have much longer to wait before the model hits the shelves early next year.

It's clear from photographing and handling these samples that whilst the wait has been long, it will certainly have been worth it, and indeed it's fair to say a much higher quality model will be delivered than originally planned. Gone is the old tender drive mechanism with unsightly drive shaft, replaced by a coreless motor in the locomotive freeing up space for a next 18 decoder and speaker in the tender with the electrical connection is provided by a neat socket arrangement. It's a definite step up from previous Dapol steam models and with the new GWR Mogul & Manor and the J72, it seems Dapol's steam range is about to experience something of a renaissance.

The livery samples shown here use the first EP bodies which have the deeper panel lines, however these have been reduced in prominence on subsequent EPs. The name plates will be seperately fitted etched versions on the production models. The factory fitted firebox glow feature will be on set timer with an interval of 10 seconds off and 5 seconds on but will not be adjustable on DCC due to the limited connections available through the loco to tender connector.

The livery samples had only just arrived in time for the International N Gauge Show, so Dapol are now undertaking a review to identify any changes or corrections that may be nessecary.

Dapol currently expect the models to be available during Q2 2026.

2S-034-001 - 21C164 'Fighter Command'

2S-034-002 - 34066 'Spitfire

2S-034-003 - 34063 '229 Squadron'

2S-034-004 - 21C113 'Oakhampton'

2D-034-005 - 34030 'Watersmeet'

2D-034-006 - 34001 'Exeter'

2D-034-007 - 21C164 'Winston Churchill'

2D-034-008 - 34081 '92 Squadron' - As Preserved

For more information on the Light Pacifics, visit the Dapol website.

Our thanks to Dapol for allowing NGN to photograph the livery samples on display.