Dapol ND005

British Rail Class 73 73128 English, Welsh & Scottish Railway Maroon & Gold

Contents

Tooling

Dapol introduced its N gauge model of the British Rail Class 73 electro-diesel locomotive in 2005, expanding its early N gauge range that began in 2003. The Class 73 was a distinctive Southern Region locomotive capable of operating on 650/750V DC third rail or via its onboard diesel engine, making it highly versatile for passenger, freight, and engineering duties. The prototype fleet was built between 1962 and 1967, comprising subclasses 73/0, 73/1, and 73/2, the latter adapted for Gatwick Express services.

Early reviews praised the model's fine detailing, etched components, and working lights, noting it as a significant improvement over older N gauge designs. Performance was generally smooth, though some users reported occasional noise and running issues on tight curves. Later batches improved reliability and added refinements such as darkened wheels. Community feedback on forums and social media highlights the model's popularity and enduring appeal, though some enthusiasts hope for a future re-tool to match modern standards.

The Class 73 was one of Dapol's first N gauge locomotives, alongside the Class 66. Special editions for Gaugemaster and other retailers have become collectible items.

Detailing: Includes cab interior, footplate detail, glazing with wipers, underframe equipment (battery boxes, fuel tanks, sanding gear), and third rail pick-up shoes. Knuckle couplers supplied in accessory pack.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: 73128

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

The English, Welsh & Scottish Railway (EWS) operated Britain's largest rail freight network from 1996-2007, controlling 90% of the UK freight market. Formed by Wisconsin Central through acquisition of five British Rail freight companies, EWS revolutionised British freight transport with 250 new General Motors Class 66 locomotives and distinctive maroon and gold livery featuring the famous "three beasties" logo. The company was acquired by Deutsche Bahn in 2007, eventually becoming today's DB Cargo UK while maintaining its freight market dominance.

The EWS maroon and gold livery was introduced in April 1996, with the first locomotive to receive the scheme being Class 37 number 37057, which emerged from Toton Depot on 25 April 1996 to coincide with the launch of the English, Welsh & Scottish brand. The colour specification featured maroon bodysides, roofs and ends with black underframes and buffer beams, standard UK yellow warning panels, and a distinctive gold stripe running centrally between the cab ends.

To ensure accurate colour consistency, a sample plate was flown from Wisconsin Central's American operations to Britain, where British paints were mixed to match this standard. Interestingly, when Class 66 and 67 locomotives were later built by General Motors, another sample plate was sent to the manufacturer, resulting in a slightly lighter shade than the original British mix.

The livery evolved through several variations. Early applications from April 1996 featured "EW&S" lettering (including the ampersand) in Arial typeface within the gold band. From January 1997, this was simplified to "EWS" with improved Gill Sans typeface - continuing a tradition established by the LNER in the 1920s and used by British Railways until the 1960s.

The gold band width varied by locomotive class - most received 600mm bands, but Classes 37, 58, and 73 looked better with 550mm bands due to their distinctive body shapes. Company lettering and locomotive numbers appeared in maroon within the gold stripe with 20mm clearance from the band edges, positioned at opposite ends on each side of the locomotive.

For model railway enthusiasts, specialist paint manufacturers like Phoenix Paints produce authentic colour matches, with their E.W.&S. Red (P193) and E.W.&S. Gold (P194) paints matched to original Wisconsin Central colour panels. Alternative options include RailMatch EWS Maroon (1255) which many modellers prefer for value and colour accuracy.

The EWS maroon and gold scheme became one of the most recognisable railway liveries in modern British history, remaining in use until Deutsche Bahn's acquisition in 2007 and the subsequent adoption of DB Schenker corporate red livery from 2009.