Dapol’s ‘Hoover’
CLASS 50 locomotives are perennial favourites among enthusiasts and modellers alike, making the long interval in the development of Dapol’s modern standard ‘N’ gauge model something of a surprise.
It seems to have become lost in the many changes that have taken place at the company, a situation now remedied by the September arrival of a clutch of models in both refurbished and original condition, decorated in several useful liveries. It has received a warm welcome, being viewed as a considerable improvement over the ageing Graham Farish model, both in shape and performance.
Fifty ‘Fifties’
Fifty Class 50s were introduced in 1967, constructed by English Electric at its Vulcan Foundry in Newton le Willows in just over a year and numbered D400-449 (eventually No. 50001-050 under TOPS). First leased to BR, the locomotives provided 100mph traction with electric train supply for Intercity services on the non-electrified section of the West Coast Main Line between Crewe and Glasgow Central, until electrification was completed, making the ‘original condition’ version of the model, finished
