Dapol ND099G

British Rail Class 86 86219 British Rail InterCity

Contents

Tooling

Dapol introduced its first N gauge model of the British Rail Class 86 electric locomotive in 2010. The Class 86, built between 1965 and 1966, was a key part of British Rail’s AC electric fleet for the West Coast Main Line. Dapol’s tooling aimed to capture the distinctive features of these Bo-Bo locomotives while providing reliable performance and digital readiness for modern layouts.

Tooling Features

  • Body 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; cosmetic screw-link options included in accessory packs.

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 (white/red).
  • Weighting: Internal chassis weighting for improved adhesion.
  • Pantograph: Working cosmetic feature (poseable, not powered).

DCC Capability

  • DCC Ready with a 6-pin socket.
  • No factory provision for sound speaker.

Reviews & Commentary

Enthusiast feedback at the time praised the fine detailing, smooth running qualities, and accurate liveries. The poseable pantograph and etched nameplates were considered strong points. Criticism focused on the delicate nature of some roof fittings and the lack of sound capability. Overall, the model was regarded as a significant step forward for modern N gauge electric locomotives.

Media & Social Media

Retailer showcases and early YouTube reviews highlighted the model’s slow-speed performance and crisp decoration. Forum discussions (RMweb, N Gauge Forum) noted good reliability when properly maintained, though some users reported occasional lighting quirks.

Interesting Notes: The tooling represented multiple sub-classes (86/2, 86/4, and 86/6), allowing Dapol to cover passenger, mixed-traffic, and freight variants. Special commissions included limited-edition BR Blue models for C&M Models.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: 86219

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.