Dapol 2D-026-008

British Rail Class 86 86632 Freightliner Green & Yellow

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: 86632

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: Freightliner
  • Livery: Green & Yellow
  • Era: 9 - Privatisation