Dapol 4D-088-003

British Rail Class 88 88007 Electra Direct Rail Services Compass

Contents

Tooling

The British Rail Class 88 is a modern electro-diesel locomotive built by Stadler Rail for Direct Rail Services (DRS). Part of the EuroDual family, it combines 25kV AC electric capability with a diesel engine for flexibility on non-electrified routes. Dapol announced its OO gauge model of the Class 88 in partnership with Rails of Sheffield in mid-2023, with production samples revealed in early 2025. This tooling represents Dapol’s first model of a dual-mode locomotive in 4mm scale and follows the success of its Class 68 model. The models were released exclusively through Rails of Sheffield in DCC Ready, DCC Fitted, and DCC Sound variants.

Early reviews from Model Rail and Hornby Magazine praised the model’s accuracy, weight (approx. 714g), and exceptional detailing, noting improvements over Dapol’s Class 68. The etched grilles, crisp bodyside paneling, and servo pantograph were highlighted as standout features. Factory sound versions impressed with realistic dual-mode audio and advanced function mapping, including pantograph control via DCC. Social media and RMweb discussions were largely positive, with enthusiasts commending the livery application and mechanical smoothness, though some noted decoder setup challenges when consisting with Class 68 models.

Detailing: Heavy die-cast chassis for weight and stability; plastic bodyshell with numerous separately fitted details. Etched roof grilles, fine bodyside grilles, bufferbeam detailing packs, sprung buffers, and etched nameplates supplied separately.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: 88007
  • Name: Electra

The British Rail Class 88 is Britain's first 25kV AC bi-mode locomotive, combining 4,000 kW electric power with 708 kW diesel capability for seamless operation across electrified main lines and non-electrified terminals. All ten locomotives were built by Stadler Rail Valencia (2015-2017) for Direct Rail Services, entering service June 2017 on Anglo-Scottish Tesco intermodal operations. Eight locomotives revive historic Woodhead Route electric names including Prometheus, Electra, and Diana. The fleet operates predominantly from Carlisle Kingmoor on intensive freight diagrams moving 12,000+ containers monthly whilst saving approximately 9,000 tonnes CO2e annually. Dapol produces exclusive OO gauge models through Rails of Sheffield (£199.95-£354.95) featuring dual electric/diesel sound modes, servo-controlled pantographs, and premium weathering options.

Operator & Livery

Direct Rail Services (DRS) is Britain's premier nuclear transport and commercial rail freight operator, established in 1995 by British Nuclear Fuels Limited to handle the safe movement of nuclear materials. Now owned by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority through Nuclear Transport Solutions, DRS has evolved into one of the UK's leading freight companies whilst maintaining its core nuclear transport mission.

Operating from major depots at Carlisle Kingmoor, Crewe Gresty Bridge, and Motherwell, DRS runs a modern fleet including cutting-edge Class 68 diesels and revolutionary Class 88 bi-mode locomotives alongside heritage Class 37s and specialist Class 20/3s. The company's distinctive blue and grey livery has become synonymous with operational excellence and technical innovation.

DRS's commercial success centres on its partnership with Tesco, operating ten dedicated rail routes carrying over 12,000 containers monthly, whilst infrastructure support services include rail head treatment, snow clearance, and rescue locomotive provision. The company's commitment to environmental leadership delivers 76% fewer CO2 emissions compared to road transport, with Class 88 locomotives achieving additional efficiency gains through dual-mode electric/diesel operation.

Key Facts:

  • Founded: 1995 (30 years of operation)
  • Owner: Nuclear Decommissioning Authority via Nuclear Transport Solutions
  • Headquarters: Carlisle Kingmoor Depot
  • Fleet: Class 20/3, 37, 66/4, 68, 88 locomotives
  • Specialty: Nuclear transport, intermodal freight, infrastructure support
  • Major Contract: Tesco (12,000+ containers/month across 10 routes)
  • Environmental Impact: 76% CO2 reduction vs road transport

The Compass livery became the standard corporate identity for Direct Rail Services from the mid-2000s onwards. It featured a rich midnight blue body, contrasted by a sweeping turquoise and light-blue compass motif across the bodysides, symbolising nationwide coverage. Large Direct Rail Services lettering in white and turquoise was prominently displayed, alongside the company’s star-compass logo. High-visibility yellow cab ends were retained for safety, and the roof panels were finished in dark grey.

Applied across much of the DRS fleet, including Classes 37, 47, 57, 66, and 68, the Compass livery gave the operator a strong and instantly recognisable identity. Sleek and modern compared with earlier DRS schemes, it became synonymous with the company’s work on both nuclear traffic and passenger contracts such as the Cumbrian Coast services.