Dapol 4D-006-021D

British Rail Class 73 73109 Battle of Britain GB Railfreight Blue & Orange

Contents

Tooling

Dapol introduced its OO gauge model of the British Rail Class 73 electro-diesel locomotive in 2016. The Class 73 is a unique dual-mode locomotive capable of operating from the Southern Region’s 650/750V DC third rail or via an onboard diesel engine, making it versatile for both electrified and non-electrified routes. Built between 1962 and 1967, the prototype was primarily used in the Southern Region, with many units later appearing in a wide range of liveries under various operators.

The Dapol Class 73 has generally been praised for its high level of detail, accurate body shape, and smooth running qualities. Features such as etched grilles, sprung buffers, and lighting functions have been highlighted positively. However, some reviewers noted occasional issues with bogie articulation on uneven track, leading to derailments in certain conditions. Social media and video reviews often commend the model's slow-speed performance and realistic lighting, while some early batches were criticized for minor lighting configuration errors, later corrected in subsequent releases.

The tooling allows for both JA and JB variants, enabling accurate representation of early and later builds. Accessory packs include optional snowploughs and bufferbeam detailing parts for customization. Later production runs introduced improved lighting arrangements and factory sound-fitted options.

Detailing: Separately fitted handrails, etched metal side and roof grilles, fan detail, lamp irons, jumper cables, and bufferbeam detailing packs. Glazing includes flush-fitting windows with interior cab detail.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: 73109
  • Name: Battle of Britain

The British Rail Class 73 electro-diesel represents one of Britain's most versatile and longest-serving locomotive classes, designed in the early 1960s to solve the Southern Region's third-rail gap problem in goods yards. With dual 1,600hp electric and 600hp diesel modes (1,600hp diesel in Class 73/9 rebuilds), these Bo-Bo locomotives served prestigious duties from Gatwick Express to Venice Simplon Orient Express, and now operate Caledonian Sleeper services in Scotland. Of 49 built (6 Class 73/0, 43 Class 73/1), 39 survive with approximately 22 still operational, making them among British Rail's most enduring designs spanning over 60 years of continuous service.

Operator & Livery

  • Operator: GB Railfreight
  • Livery: Blue & Orange
  • Era: 9 - Privatisation

GB Railfreight (GBRf) is the UK's third-largest rail freight operator, established in 1999 and currently owned by Infracapital (M&G plc subsidiary). Operating over 2,000 trainloads weekly with an exceptional 99% reliability rate, the company moves approximately 23% of Britain's rail freight using a fleet of 170 locomotives and 1,800 wagons. GBRf serves major ports including Felixstowe, Southampton, and London Gateway with 54 daily intermodal services nationally, whilst also providing vital infrastructure services for Network Rail, London Underground, and major construction projects like HS2.

The company is renowned for pioneering the innovative Class 69 conversion programme, transforming redundant Class 56 locomotives with modern EMD 710 engines, and for operating diverse heritage livery schemes that celebrate British railway history. With headquarters and control centre in Peterborough and maintenance facilities at Tonbridge, GB Railfreight employs over 1,400 people and has committed to achieving net-zero operations by 2050, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable freight transport whilst maintaining strong partnerships with customers including Network Rail, Drax, Aggregate Industries, and major shipping lines.

The first batch of Class 66s, delivered in 2001, introduced GB Railfreight’s original Blue & Orange livery. This featured a dark blue body with bold orange cantrail stripes and orange cab sides extending back to the inner edges of the cab doors, combined with high-visibility yellow front ‘bib’ panels. Large orange “GBRf” lettering dominated the bodysides, with running numbers applied prominently at the cab ends. This striking yet simple scheme established the corporate identity that has underpinned GBRf’s visual branding ever since.