We are excited to reveal the first decorated sample for our EXCLUSIVE model of the Class 88 bi-modal locomotive in OO gauge, produced for us by Dapol. This first sample showcases 88010 ‘Aurora’ in the eye-catching DRS ‘Refrigerated Rail… Cool Move’ livery.
This all-new range is currently due for release in Q3 2024 with four variations available to pre-order now. Stay tuned for additional deco samples for the other liveries soon!
Pre-Order Now
Images & Video
Product Features:
Finely moulded body with many separately fitted fine details
Authentic liveries
Printed nameplates with etched plates supplied separately – where appropriate
Sprung buffers
Heavy Diecast chassis and all wheel pick up and all-wheel drive
Smooth 5-pole motor with twin flywheels
Cast wheels with fine relief and appropriate colouringÂ
NEM coupling pockets as standardÂ
Latest Plux22 decoder socket
Comprehensive lighting package with white marker/headlights, red tail lights, Halo lights (DCC only), Cab lights
Lighting independently controllable in DCC and switchable in DC
Servo controlled pantograph (DCC only) (Pantograph posable in DC)
Factory DCC fitted options
Sound-fitted option using authentic sounds obtained with cooperation from DRS
Both electric and diesel sounds, switchable by function key
Prototype Information
The British Rail Class 88 is a type of mainline mixed traffic electro-diesel locomotive manufactured by Stadler Rail for Direct Rail Services (DRS) in the United Kingdom. The locomotive is part of the Stadler Euro Dual family.
It is the first dual-mode locomotive in the UK to use the 25 kV AC electrification. Amid the fulfillment of DRS’ order for the Class 68, Stadler’s team proposed the development of a dual-mode locomotive that could be alternatively powered by an onboard diesel engine or via electricity supplied from overhead lines (OHLE). Having been impressed by the concept, DRS opted to place an order for ten Class 88s during September 2013.Â
Having been developed alongside the Class 68, considerable similarities are shared between the two locomotives, amounting to roughly 70 percent of all components being shared. Primarily, the type has been used by DRS to haul freight using electric locomotives without the need to hire in electric traction from other operators. As with the Class 68, they are also capable of operating passenger trains. Even prior to the type entering service, it was decided that the first duty of DRS’ Class 88 fleet would be the contracted services between Daventry and Mossend on behalf of the supermarket chain Tesco.
