Revolution Trains is offering the Class 59 as its next locomotive in N gauge. The model has been under development for some time and samples are expected in the next few weeks, possibly in time for The International N Gauge Show where they will have a stand.
The Class 59 is arguably the most significant locomotive of the last quarter of the twentieth century; being the first US-built and first privately-owned mainline locomotive on the BR system. It brought in previously undreamt of levels of reliability and was the antecedent for the enormously successful Class 66. Intended for heavy Mendip stone trains the Class 59 is significantly more powerful than the 66, which was designed as more of a general purpose locomotive, and only the Class 60 can match it in terms of sheer pulling power.
The CAD image above represents the Class 59/0 as delivered to Foster Yeoman in 1986, with outer bogie dampers and left facing exhaust. The 59/0 (with correct detail combinations) is offered in orginal Foster Yeoman, revised Foster Yeoman and Aggregate Industries liveries.
The Class 59/1 as shown above is being offered in both original ARC and Hanson colours.
The Class 59/2 represents the final iteration and has several differences to the first two types. Rainbow Railways is offering the original National Power locomotives in a twin-pack comprising 59201 (with correct doors and end bell) and 59206 - as the first and last of the fleet. Revolution is offering 59/2s in EWS, DB and Freightliner liveries as general release models.
Building on the success of their highly regarded Class 92, the CADs show the Revolution Class 59 features their usual extreme levels of detail with photo etched side, roof and horn grilles, separate underframe supports with lots of additional detail parts to recreate the busy appearance of the prototype, and factory fitted air pipe and couper details at one end (standard coupler and slotted air dam included in the box for those who prefer them) among other things.
The tooling has been designed to allow all sub-classes to be offered with the modifications carried out during the service lives of these locomotives accounted for too. These include differences in the bogie dampers, exhaust position, NRN roof pods, underframe equipment, air pipe and lashing loop positioning and door handle recesses.
The model will feature a heavy metal chassis block, factory fitted speakers, Next 18 DCC interface and switchable lights. Revolution Trains have used lessons learned from their Class 390 Pendolino and Class 92 chassis to improve the performance of this model still with reduction gearing and pin-point power pick-ups. As a nod to the prototype, the DCC socket and light switches are reached via a removable centre panel - just like the real thing.
The model has been under development for many months after Revolution Trains identified it as the main 'missing link' in modern traction for N gauge enthusiasts, and they have been working closely with GBRf, Freightliner, Arlington Fleet Services, Progress Rail (EMD) and Mendip Rail.
Class 59 Liveries planned for release are as follows:
Class 59/0
Class 59/1
Class 59/2
Retailer Exclusives
Revolution is also offering several retailer exclusives.
Revolution is teaming up with Rails of Sheffield to offer GBRf’s 59003 featuring all the detail amendments mentioned above. When it entered service with GBRf it featured red/blue roundels at each end, however in 2020 the locomotive was repainted and given a more standard GBRf with a rectangular centre blue panel. Both versions are being offered.
In addition, Revolution is joining with Rainbow Railways to offer the Class 59/2’s stylish original ‘National Power’ livery in an exclusive ‘First & Last’ twin pack comprising both 59201 ‘Vale of York’ and 59206 ‘Pride of Ferrybridge’. Both locomotives feature prototypical variations; 59201 features the bell at the No1 end and single handled cab doors, while 59206 has twin handled cab doors and revised end air pipe positions. These models will also include cosmetic buck-eye couplers; these were removed when the locomotives were taken on by EWS.
The models can be pre-ordered now at an EarlyBird price of £114.95, including postage, though this will be going up fairly soon.
Revolution are aiming to have the models delivered in mid 2022, however production schedules are currently somewhat unpredictable and subject to change.
For more information, images and a short history of the class outlining the various detail variations please see the Revolution website