Dapol 4D-006-001

British Rail Class 73 73105 British Rail Blue with Large Logo

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: 73105

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: British Rail
  • Livery: Blue with Large Logo
  • Era: 7 - British Rail Blue TOPS

British Rail (1965-1997) transformed Britain's railways through revolutionary modernisation, introducing the iconic double arrow logo, Rail Blue livery, and business sectorisation. BR pioneered high-speed rail with the InterCity 125 and Advanced Passenger Train, electrified major routes, and created profitable divisions like InterCity and Network SouthEast. From steam succession through diesel and electric development to privatisation preparation, British Rail's diverse locomotive fleet, multiple livery schemes, and operational scenarios provide unparalleled variety for railway modellers across all scales and periods.

BR Blue, also known as Rail Blue or Monastral Blue, was introduced in 1965 as part of British Rail's comprehensive corporate identity overhaul that accompanied the rebranding from British Railways to British Rail. The colour was officially defined by British Standards BR28/6001 (airless spray finish) and BR28/5321 (brush finish), representing a dark, greyish blue tone specifically chosen to hide dirt and weathering effects well.

The livery was prototyped on the experimental XP64 train in 1964 before becoming the standard scheme from 1 January 1965. Rail Blue was applied to all diesel and electric locomotives with yellow warning panels (initially small, then extending to full yellow ends from 1966). The standardised application included the iconic double arrow logo and Rail Alphabet typeface, creating one of the most successful transport corporate identities of the 20th century.

The livery dominated British Rail operations for over two decades until sectorisation in the 1980s began fragmenting the unified appearance. Despite initial colour fading problems in early applications, these were resolved by the late 1970s when the Large Logo variant was introduced featuring extended yellow areas and full-height double arrow symbols. Rail Blue's enduring appeal among railway enthusiasts reflects its role as the definitive British Rail image during the organisation's most unified period.