Dapol 2D-026-003

British Rail Class 86 86243 The Boys Brigade British Rail InterCity Executive

Contents

Tooling

Dapol’s 2019 retooling of the British Rail Class 86 in N gauge marked a significant upgrade over earlier versions. The Class 86, introduced in the mid-1960s, was a cornerstone of British Rail’s AC electric fleet on the West Coast Main Line. Dapol’s tooling aimed to capture the locomotive’s distinctive features while meeting modern expectations for detail, performance, and digital capability.

Tooling Features

  • Construction: Finely moulded plastic bodyshell with metal components; chassis combines plastic and metal for strength and weight.
  • Detailing: Factory-fitted separate details including door handles, handrails, jumper cables, etched nameplates (user-fit), roof electrical gear, bufferbeam detail packs, and fully painted cab interiors with glazing and seating.
  • Pantographs: Brecknell Willis high-speed and Stone Faiveley AMBR types, poseable but unpowered.
  • Couplings: NEM pockets with Rapido-style couplers; accessory pack includes magnetic couplings and cosmetic screw-link options.

Mechanical & Electrical

  • Motor: 5-pole “Super Creep” motor with twin flywheels for smooth, slow-speed control.
  • Drive: All-wheel drive and all-wheel electrical pickup for reliable performance.
  • Lighting: Directional head and tail lights; later batches added cab lighting and independent control via decoder.
  • Weighting: Internal chassis weighting for improved adhesion.

DCC Capability

  • Early 2019 releases: 18-pin DCC socket.
  • Later runs: NEXT18 socket with enhanced lighting control.
  • No factory provision for sound speaker, but space exists for custom installation.

Liveries Produced

Dapol has offered a wide range of liveries across production runs, including:

  • BR Electric Blue
  • BR Blue (Full Yellow Ends)
  • InterCity Executive and Swallow
  • Caledonian Sleeper
  • EWS (English Welsh & Scottish)
  • Freightliner (Green and Powerhaul)
  • Special editions such as Rainhill 150 commemorative schemes

Reviews & Commentary

Retailer showcases and enthusiast reviews praised the model’s fine detailing, smooth running, and improved digital features. The poseable pantograph and accessory packs were highlighted as strong points. Some feedback noted delicate pantographs and occasional lighting quirks, but overall reception was positive. Forum discussions welcomed the upgrade to NEXT18 sockets and improved lighting control.

Media & Social Media

Video reviews from Hattons and independent channels demonstrated excellent slow-speed performance and crisp decoration. Community forums (RMweb, N Gauge Forum) discussed reliability and decoder compatibility, with most users reporting good running qualities when properly maintained.

Interesting Notes

  • The tooling covers multiple subclasses: 86/2 (passenger), 86/4 (push-pull capable), and 86/6 (freight).
  • Accessory packs include vacuum pipes, knuckle couplers, and magnetic couplings for enhanced realism.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: 86243
  • Name: The Boys Brigade

The British Rail Class 86 was English Electric's pioneering 25 kV AC electric locomotive for West Coast Main Line electrification, with 100 built 1965-1966. Originally designated AL6, these Bo-Bo locomotives delivered 3,600-4,000 hp and served 56 years hauling express passenger services and freight traffic. Revolutionary flexicoil suspension modifications from 1971 transformed the class from problematic 80 mph freight locomotives into reliable 100 mph express passenger machines. Class 86s worked for BR, InterCity, Virgin Trains, Anglia Railways, and Freightliner until February 2021, with three preserved examples still hauling charter trains. Approximately 32 locomotives were exported to Hungary and Bulgaria where many remain operational.

Operator & Livery

British Rail InterCity was the premium express passenger brand that operated from 1966 to 1997, transforming long-distance rail travel across Britain. Initially launched as a marketing brand for high-speed services, InterCity became an autonomous business sector in 1982 under the sectorisation programme, operating profitable express services from London to Scotland, Wales, the West Country, and extensive cross-country routes.

The brand pioneered revolutionary rolling stock including the iconic InterCity 125 HST (High Speed Train) from 1976, which achieved 125mph operations on existing infrastructure, and the electric InterCity 225 sets from 1989, capable of 140mph but limited to 125mph in service. InterCity also developed the ground-breaking Advanced Passenger Train (APT) with tilting technology that influenced modern high-speed trains worldwide.

Distinguished by its evolving livery schemes - from Rail Blue and Grey through the sophisticated Executive livery with dark grey upper bodies and red stripes - InterCity became synonymous with quality, speed, and reliability. All day services featured buffet cars and the majority operated at 100mph or above, making British Rail one of the world's most intensive high-speed operators.

The brand was divided among multiple operators during railway privatisation in the 1990s, but its technical innovations, operational excellence, and commercial principles continue influencing modern rail services. InterCity remains hugely popular with railway modellers, with extensive ranges of locomotives and coaching stock available in all major scales from manufacturers like Hornby, Bachmann, and Heljan.