Dapol 2D-026-005

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.

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.

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.

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. Accessory pack includes magnetic couplings and cosmetic screw-link options.

The tooling covers multiple subclasses: 86/2 (passenger), 86/4 (push-pull capable), and 86/6 (freight).

Class & Prototype

• Class: British Rail Class 86
• Traction: -
• Built: 1965-1966
• Total Built: 100

• Running Number: 86245

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

• Operator: British Rail
• Livery: Blue
• Era: 6/7

British Rail (1965-1997) transformed Britain's railways through revolutionary modernisation, introducing the iconic double arrow logo, Rail Blue livery, and business sectorisation. BR pioneered high-speed rail with the InterCity 125 and Advanced Passenger Train, electrified major routes, and created profitable divisions like InterCity and Network SouthEast. From steam succession through diesel and electric development to privatisation preparation, British Rail's diverse locomotive fleet, multiple livery schemes, and operational scenarios provide unparalleled variety for railway modellers across all scales and periods.

BR Blue, also known as Rail Blue or Monastral Blue, was introduced in 1965 as part of British Rail's comprehensive corporate identity overhaul that accompanied the rebranding from British Railways to British Rail. The colour was officially defined by British Standards BR28/6001 (airless spray finish) and BR28/5321 (brush finish), representing a dark, greyish blue tone specifically chosen to hide dirt and weathering effects well.

The livery was prototyped on the experimental XP64 train in 1964 before becoming the standard scheme from 1 January 1965. Rail Blue was applied to all diesel and electric locomotives with yellow warning panels (initially small, then extending to full yellow ends from 1966). The standardised application included the iconic double arrow logo and Rail Alphabet typeface, creating one of the most successful transport corporate identities of the 20th century.

The livery dominated British Rail operations for over two decades until sectorisation in the 1980s began fragmenting the unified appearance. Despite initial colour fading problems in early applications, these were resolved by the late 1970s when the Large Logo variant was introduced featuring extended yellow areas and full-height double arrow symbols. Rail Blue's enduring appeal among railway enthusiasts reflects its role as the definitive British Rail image during the organisation's most unified period.