Warbonnet

Hi folks, Over the past 11 years, we have always shared news on our projects, once we had an update. This wont change with the 800s, and when it moves to the next stage, we will report the news then. Please also note it is the middle of summer, and we take holiday time off too! When we have news, you folks will be the first to know, we promise! Cheers! Fran

As we move closer to the arrival of our second production run of our Class 50, we wanted to share a quick update on progress and highlight some of the refinements that have been made since the production samples were completed. First and foremost, we're delighted with how this second run has turned out. The overall build quality and finish are simply superb, with the factory delivering an exceptionally high standard of assembly, decoration and detailing. This is thanks to your feedback on run 1, where the build quality could've been better in one or two areas. We took this feedback back to the factory, and worked with them to improve the quality on our Hoovers, so we could bring you and elite Class 50. The models really showcase just how far production has come, and we're confident these will be the best models of a Class 50s yet, or indeed possible. Alongside the already impressive standard of finish, we've also worked with the factory to make further improvements in a number of areas. In particular, the paint finish around the multiple working sockets has been refined to provide an even sharper appearance. As is often the case with production samples, they serve their purpose by allowing us to identify the final details that need correcting before the full production run is completed. Thanks to the thorough inspection process, we've been able to implement the following changes on the finished models: Windscreen Wipers The production samples feature the windscreen wipers parked in the incorrect position. On the finished models, all wipers will be correctly positioned at rest in the centre of the windscreens. Fortunately, this was identified in time for production to be amended, although the completed samples had already been built. No. 50029 Wiper Arrangement Our production sample of 50029 has an incorrect single wiper fitted at the No. 1 end. This has been corrected for production, with the finished model receiving the correct double-arm pantograph windscreen wipers at both ends. No. 50035 Marker Lights The production sample of 50035 is fitted with white marker lights. On the finished production models these will instead be clear, accurately matching the prototype. These are relatively minor changes, but they're exactly the sort of details we're committed to getting right. Production samples are an essential part of the development process, allowing us to identify and rectify issues before models reach customers. We're incredibly pleased with the overall quality of this second production run, and with these final corrections now in place, we're looking forward to delivering what we believe will be the finest ready-to-run OO gauge Class 50 models produced to date. Thank you, as always, for your continued support and enthusiasm. We can't wait for you to have these superb locomotives in your hands. Our second production run of Class 50s will be completed in the coming weeks, and then they will be packed and shipped to the UK. Pre-Order Your Class 50 Here! View the full article

While I wont be there myself, the Accuracale and Heljan teams will be in attendance. Do pop by and say hi!

We wanted to provide you with a quick update on our forthcoming Hunslet Austerity locomotives. The good news is that production was actually completed a couple of weeks ago, with samples arriving with us shortly after, for assessment and sign-off. However, there has been a slight delay before shipping due to an issue affecting the supply of the electronic components required for the DCC decoders and PCBs. Like many industries, we've been impacted by the ongoing global demand for electronic components. Much of this shortage has been driven by the huge increase in demand for hardware destined for AI data centres, which has placed additional pressure on the wider electronics supply chain. Thankfully, the situation which affected our partner, ESU, is now under control . The required decoders and PCB components are now arriving at the factory. The PCB components are being assembled onto the PCB and the decoders are being assembled and fitted to the locomotives. They are also being tested ahead of shipment. The completed models will begin shipping from the factory over the coming days. We now expect the Hunslet Austerity range to arrive into stock during mid to late September 2026. This includes our LMR Train Pack. We're very sorry for this short delay. We know many of you are eagerly awaiting these models, and while the circumstances were unfortunately beyond our control, we're pleased that the issue has now been resolved and everything is moving once again. As you'll see from the latest images, we think the short additional wait will be more than worthwhile. The finished locomotives look absolutely superb, and we can't wait to get them into your hands. Thank you, as always, for your patience and continued support. Fancy one? Pre-order your Austerity below! Pre-Order Your Hunslet Austerity Here! View the full article

On behalf of everyone at IRM we would like to extend our sincere condolences to David's family, fellow club members and friends. Although very much a continental modeller in N, he would visit us at every show both home and abroad that he attended, and offer us his best wishes and words of encouragement. A sad loss to our hobby and community. RIP David.

Just to point out folks, this does not affect Accurascale. IRM or indeed Heljan purchases. Cheers! Fran

Hi folks, Following a cull of unpaid orders, 102 in its final guise is back in stock in limited numbers: https://www.accurascale.com/collections/nir-101-dl-class-hunslet This is the very last of the stock we have, so grab it now or forever miss out! Cheers! Fran

Hi folks, Final unpaid/cancelled order stock now on the website: https://www.accurascale.com/collections/park-royal-coaches As you can see, really not many left! This is very last of the stock left with us. Also, if you do pre-order, and cant take them on, please don't ignore our many emails and have the courtesy to respond so we can let someone else grab a much in-demand model before they get ripped off on eBay. It's no problem, just let us know! Cheers! Fran

It's the most asked about model currently in development, and after 4 years, we're certainly not surprised! And while it doesn't always look like it from the outside, significant progress has been made in recent months on our most ambitious project to date; the Irish Rail Rotem Class 22000 Intercity Railcar (ICR) project. With the successful delivery of both our NIR Hunslet locomotive and CIE Park Royal coach projects now complete, the Class 22000 Intercity Railcars will shortly take their place at the front of the assembly line as the next major project in production. As many of you will appreciate, the ICRs are among the most technically ambitious models we have ever undertaken. A key element of the project has been the development of an advanced electronic system developed by ESU, that allows a complete railcar set to operate from a single digital decoder, delivering seamless operation, lighting and sound functionality across the whole unit. Following an extensive period of testing, refinement and validation, we are delighted to confirm that this complex circuitry has now been fully signed off. To achieve the required functionality, additional retooling work was necessary on both the coupling system and internal body components. These modifications were required to accommodate the wiring harnesses running throughout the train, along with the electrical connections between vehicles that enable the entire set to function as one integrated unit. We can now confirm that this work has been completed successfully. The next milestone is the review of final decoration samples, which are currently being produced by the factory. These samples are expected to arrive with us in August for detailed inspection and approval. As always, we will be checking every aspect of the models carefully to ensure they meet the standards we demand before production commences. Once the decoration samples have been approved, the project will move directly into full production. We are currently targeting completion of production by the end of this year, after which the models will be prepared for shipment and delivery. We would like to thank everyone for their continued patience and support throughout the development of this landmark project. The Class 22000 Intercity Railcars represent a significant technical achievement, and we are looking forward to sharing further updates as the models progress through their final stages toward production, starting with a look at the fully decorated samples in late August. Pre-order Your ICR Here! View the full article

Hi folks, Thank you all for your support and custom on the Park Royal’s. We’re delighted with how they turned out and if truth be told a project that had been many, many years in the making, back to among our early days! To say they caused a few headaches and even became a bit infamous for delays internally before even announcing them wouldn’t be lying! Like the ICR, anything that can go wrong, went wrong in the development of these, but our team’s determination to nail it meant that the final product turned out very nice indeed and the ICR will be the same (news on that next week). We’re delighted with how they’ve gone, and thoughts must now turn to our next IRM coach project. Any suggestions? Cheers! Fran

Marks Models and @WRENNEIREmay have some left if you missed out folks, so be sure to check them out!

We're delighted with the Park Royals, even if we really had to cut the run to the bone, they've sold well. A new run would focus on the mainline variants. Cheers! Fran

The more we sell the more we can make. You’ll be doing it for the good of the hobby! Cheers! Fran

We've not had many left over in stock of these at all, and were more or less made to match orders. Some more may come up when people who have pre-orders outstanding do not pay up, but we cant guarantee it. If you want them, now is the time to grab them!

If you havent got yours yet email us with your order number, as all pre-orders are clear on the warehouse system. I was wondering why I hadn't seen any on Ballyercall.... I know there is an element of fun, but there is a lot of truth in this too. Look at how hard it is to buy NIR locos that Murphy Models has made over the years. This is HIGHLY LIKELY to be the only run of these we make... You have been warned (and same goes for the 800 too) You want sound investments? Well, look no further. Cheers! Fran

Hi folks, Hunslets now back on sale: https://www.accurascale.com/collections/nir-101-dl-class-hunslet As you can see from above, you do not want to miss out on these! Cheers! Fran

You Asked - We Delivered! Announcing our brand new run of Accurascale Class 37s - shaped entirely by the suggestions and feedback of our customers. From the earliest locomotives of the 1960s through to examples still running on today's network, this new range tells the full Class 37 story. Let's take a look at what's in store! A Very Special Accurascale Exclusive Our stand-out locomotive in the run is Accurascale Exclusive 37800 in Rail Operations Group blue - one of our most-requested Class 37s from the current scene, with one of the most complex and intricate liveries seen on the class to date. As an Accurascale Exclusive, we'll be including a certificate, and watch out for some eye-catching box artwork! Our New Main Range Class 37s Moving onto our main range, available both at Accurascale and your local stockist, the classy maroon of West Coast Railway Company features on 37516 Loch Laidon and in a refurbished Class 37/5 bodyshell with flush headcode panels and plated corridor connection doors. We welcome the return of the BR Engineers 'Dutch' livery, this time on a split-headcode box machine, 37106, representing one of many unrefurbished Class 37/0s operating in the 1990s and beyond. We jump back to the heady days of 1980s Cornwall with our very special rendition of 37185 in BR Blue livery, complete with the distinctive Cornish Railways 'lizard' logos of the period. The ideal companion to our recent Accurascale china 'clayhood' wagons! That's not all, either. Fans of classic BR Blue can also look forward to 37088 joining the range. Featuring split headcode boxes and original bufferbeam fairings, this striking locomotive is presented in plain BR Blue livery and is perfect for recreating railway scenes from the 1970s and 1980s. Finally, we're taking things right back to where it all began. Before they became the legendary Class 37s, they were English Electric Type 3s, representing the future of British Railways' modernisation plan. Built at English Electric's Vulcan Foundry in 1961, D6713 is presented as one of the original Stratford-allocated locomotives, finding its feet on the Eastern Region as steam gave way to diesel power. It's a fitting tribute to the dawn of the diesel age and the beginnings of one of Britain's most enduring locomotive classes. Don't forget, you can also order our previously announced Accurascale Exclusives alongside the main range models too! These include D6724 in mid-1960s condition, supporting the Heavy Tractor Group, BR Heritage Green 37403 Ben Cruachan supporting the Scottish Railway Preservation Society, and 37716 in modern DRS 'fade' livery, produced in partnership with Rainbow Railways. Due to arrive in Q2 2027, you can pre-order yours today to guarantee you don't miss out! Order from your favourite retailer or directly from Accurascale, with no deposit required! We've worked hard to keep prices the same as the current run - £189.95 (DC/DCC Ready) and £289.96 (DCC Sound fitted), and don't forget you'll also benefit from free UK delivery and collect Accurascale Reward Points that you can exchange for discounts on future purchases, such as decoders or ModelU crews! PRE ORDER YOUR CLASS 37s HERE Let's take a look at the new releases in detail... D6713 – BR Green Built at English Electric's Vulcan Foundry in March 1961, D6713 entered service at Stratford and quickly became a familiar sight on passenger, parcels and freight duties across East Anglia. Typical of the pioneering English Electric Type 3s, it worked prestigious services including the Harwich boat trains before later moving north. Renumbered 37013 under TOPS, it enjoyed a varied career before gaining Mainline Freight blue in 1996. Withdrawn following accident damage in 1999, it was scrapped in 2007. 37088 – BR Blue Originally delivered as D6788 in 1963, 37088 became a classic BR Blue-era Class 37, working passenger and freight services across the Eastern Region. Notable for retaining its split headcode boxes and original bufferbeam fairings longer than most classmates, it later moved to Scotland and South Wales before receiving General Grey and Dutch-style liveries. Withdrawn in 1998, it was scrapped in 2002. 37106 – Civil Engineer's Dutch Built in January 1963, 37106 spent much of its career on the Eastern Region before moving north of the border in the early 1990s. Repainted into striking Civil Engineer's Dutch livery in 1993, it became a regular performer on infrastructure, passenger and engineers' duties across Scotland. Later returning south for engineering work, it survived into the EWS era before withdrawal in 1999 and scrapping the following year. 37185 – BR Blue with Cornish Railways 'Wizzy' Logos One of the most distinctive Western Region Class 37s, 37185 carried the famous Cornish Railways 'Wizzy the Lizard' logos applied by local artist Vic Millington. Built by Robert Stephenson & Hawthorns in 1963, it became closely associated with Cornwall's china clay traffic and later enjoyed careers with Railfreight Distribution and Transrail. Its unique embellishments make it one of the most memorable BR Blue Class 37s. 37516 'Loch Laidon' – WCRC Built in 1962 as D6786, this Robert Stephenson & Hawthorns locomotive was rebuilt as Class 37/5 No. 37516 in 1987. After a long freight career, including service in Loadhaul colours, it joined West Coast Railways in 2009. Since then it has become a familiar sight on railtours, charter trains, RHTTs and infrastructure duties. Today, 'Loch Laidon' remains a key member of the Carnforth fleet. 37800 'Cassiopeia' – Rail Operations Group Blue - ACCURASCALE EXCLUSIVE One of the most striking modern Class 37s, 37800 carries Rail Operations Group's distinctive blue 'PCB' livery. Like 37716, it returned from Spanish exile in 2012 and was rebuilt for further service in Britain. Named Cassiopeia in 2018, it has become a familiar sight hauling stock transfers and locomotive movements across the network, earning a reputation as one of the most distinctive surviving Class 37s. The model will be supplied in named condition with etched nameplates included in the box. OUR SPECIAL PARTNERSHIP MODELS Alongside the main range, we've collaborated with some of our favourite preservation groups and retailers to produce some very special models, and these will arrive alongside the main range in Q2 2027. D6724 – BR Green with Small Yellow Panels ACCURASCALE EXCLUSIVE: SUPPORTING THE HEAVY TRACTOR GROUP Delivered from Vulcan Foundry in 1961, D6724 spent its early years at Stratford working passenger, freight and boat train duties across East Anglia. Later renumbered 37024, it eventually became Class 37/7 No. 37714 following refurbishment at Crewe in 1988. After careers with Railfreight, EWS and in Spain, it returned to the UK and today survives in preservation with the Heavy Tractor Group at the Great Central Railway. 37403 'Ben Cruachan' – 1990s BR Heritage Green ACCURASCALE EXCLUSIVE: SUPPORTING SCOTTISH RAILWAY PRESERVATION SOCIETY 37403 became one of Britain's most famous Class 37s when it was repainted into heritage BR green in 1994 to celebrate the centenary of the West Highland Line. Originally built as D6607 in 1965, it later became a Class 37/4 for ScotRail duties and worked extensively across Scotland. Preserved by the Scottish Railway Preservation Society, it returned to main line operation in 2016 and remains a firm enthusiast favourite. 37716 – DRS 'Fade' PRODUCED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH RAINBOW RAILWAYS 37716's story is one of remarkable survival. Exported to Spain in 2001 for high-speed railway construction work, it narrowly avoided scrapping before returning to Britain in 2012. Rebuilt for Direct Rail Services, it emerged in the eye-catching 'fade' livery and became a popular performer on nuclear, infrastructure, charter and test train duties. Stored in 2024, it remains operational under Swietelsky UK ownership. PRE ORDER YOUR CLASS 37s HERE View the full article

Pushing against an open door here, John! I'll keep trying to persuade the lads... Cheers! Fran

In the early days of IRM we were approached by several members of the public who laid down significant funds up front for these but have still to take delivery. So, if they ever do pop up offering their services again, you have been warned!

Few steam locomotives can match the enduring appeal of the Great Western Railway's famous Pannier Tanks, and it's time to reveal our brand new run of these plucky little engines! We've listened closely to customer feedback and curated a carefully-balanced range of the most-requested and highly-anticipated liveries and variations - let's get started! What livery sits better on a GWR Pannier Tank than Great Western livery itself? Following popular demand, we've got the return of GWR 'Shirtbutton' and Great Western liveries - this time on new variants compared to the original run. We've also responded to the strong demand for a GWR war-time black edition of the pannier tank, seen here on No. 8751 - set to be one of our most sought-after in this run. Our new run of Accurascale GWR Pannier Tanks benefits from subtle refinements to the electrical pick-up system, further enhancing the smooth and reliable performance for which these models have become renowned. The range also showcases the remarkable variety found within the Pannier Tank family, combining multiple tooling variations with an exciting selection of new liveries and identities not featured in our first production run. Delivery is targeted for Q2 2027. We love to tell the full story of a locomotive class, and mention must be made to those that went on to find a new life in industrial usage after the end of mainline steam on Britain's railways. No. 3650 was one such survivor. Withdrawn from BR service in 1963, it was sold to Stephenson Clarke Ltd, a private colliery operator at Gwaun-cae-Gurwen in South Wales. Repainted into a striking blue livery, it enjoyed a successful industrial career before entering preservation at Didcot Railway Centre. We also welcome new examples in the ever-popular British Railways Early Crest and Late Crest plain black liveries, representing the true go-anywhere mixed-traffic locomotives that became a familiar sight across the Western Region during the 1950s and 1960s. Saving perhaps the most exciting for last, we're delighted to offer a brand new Accurascale Exclusive: preserved No. 9600 in lined BR Early Crest black, as seen operating on the UK main line in the 21st century. Following an extensive overhaul completed in 1999, No. 9600 became one of the famous 'Tyseley Panniers', certified for main line running at speeds of up to 45mph. A regular companion to our previous Accurascale Exclusive, London Transport-liveried L94, the pair became one of the most recognisable pannier combinations on the preservation scene. If you've already added L94 to your fleet, then 9600 is the perfect partner! You can buy No. 9600 exclusively from Accurascale. Meet the New Fleet in detail... 8764 Great Western Built at Swindon by the GWR on 10 October 1933 as part of Lot 282, 8764 was constructed with the new larger cab design of the 8750 class while still retaining earlier features such as the original water filler caps and the absence of bunker steps. While the steps and a top feed would be added later, the original fillers remained until withdrawal. New to Old Oak Common, it spent most of its career in the London area and later carried the lined black livery of the Paddington pilots. Reallocated to Barry (88C) in 1960, it remained there until withdrawal on 21 May 1962 after just over 28 years of service. 3608 GWR 'Shirtbutton' Completed at Swindon on 2 February 1939 as part of Lot 314, 3608 was new to Oxford shed. Another member of the 8750 variant, it featured the larger cab, bunker steps and later-pattern water fillers. However, it was built before top feed became standard and this was added later in its career. Spending much of its life based at Oxford, it was not reallocated until 1958 when it moved to Slough (81B). Subsequent transfers took it to Old Oak Common (81A) and finally Southall (81C), from where it was withdrawn in June 1965. 8751 GWR Wartime Black Built at Swindon in September 1933 as part of Lot 282, 8751 was the second locomotive constructed with the new larger cab design while still retaining early details such as the original tank fillers. By the time it appeared in GWR wartime black livery it had gained bunker steps, while a top feed was added around the same period. It continued in this condition well into BR service, receiving only a smokebox numberplate. New to Old Oak Common, it was transferred to Ebbw Junction (86A) in 1960 before withdrawal in 1962. 5753 BR Early Crest Built by the GWR at Swindon in April 1929, 5753 was one of 30 locomotives constructed as part of Lot 238. Like all Swindon-built 5700s, it carried cast iron numberplates painted in an off-yellow shade to represent brass. New to Old Oak Common, it soon moved to Southall where it spent the remainder of its working life until withdrawal on 14 September 1959. Some say that after withdrawal, 5753 went on to work on an island off the coast of Cumbria, but that's another story... 7774 BR Late Crest 7774 was the last of the 5700 pannier tanks built by the North British Locomotive Company. Works No. 24062 was completed in March 1931 and allocated new to Aberbeeg shed. Aside from visits to Swindon Works, it remained a South Wales locomotive throughout its career, seeing service at Newport Pill, Tredegar (86H), Aberbeeg (86K) and Ebbw Junction (86A). It was finally withdrawn in November 1959. 3650 Stephenson Clarke Ltd Built at Swindon in 1939 as part of Lot 325, 3650 was initially allocated to Tyseley depot in Birmingham, where it remained until a transfer to Wales in 1953 via a brief two-month stay at Bristol Bath Road (82A). Following withdrawal from Neath (87A) in September 1963, it avoided scrapping when it was sold to private colliery operator Stephenson Clarke Ltd at Gwaun-cae-Gurwen in South Wales. There it was painted blue with red "Stephenson Clarke" lettering on the tanks. After its industrial career ended, it was purchased by a member of the Great Western Society and moved to Hereford before eventually transferring to Didcot Railway Centre. More restoration work was required than initially anticipated, but after a lengthy overhaul it steamed again on 23 July 2008. Initially restored in Stephenson Clarke blue, it has since been repainted into GWR shirtbutton livery. Its last boiler ticket expired in 2016 and it is currently undergoing overhaul to return it to service. 9600 BR Lined Black (Preservation) – ACCURASCALE EXCLUSIVE 9600 was the first locomotive of Lot 352, completed at Swindon in February 1945. Appropriately, its first allocation was Swindon shed. It later moved to Bristol St Philip's Marsh (82B) in 1961 before transferring to South Wales. It was withdrawn from Ebbw Junction (86B) in September 1965 but enjoyed a second career after purchase by the National Coal Board, moving to Merthyr Vale Colliery where it worked until 1973. Purchased thereafter by 7029 Clun Castle Ltd, it moved to Tyseley in Birmingham, now home to Vintage Trains. The locomotive's overhaul was completed in 1999 and it was restored to an exceptionally high standard, becoming one of the famous "Tyseley Panniers" certified for main line operation at speeds of up to 45mph. Over two boiler tickets it worked extensively on the national network, both on charter trains and as a banking locomotive. It often appeared alongside L94, creating one of the most striking pannier pairings seen on the main line in preservation. Targeted to arrive in Q2 2027, you can pre-order yours today with no deposit down! Accurascale Exclusive No. 9600 can be ordered directly from Accurascale, while our main-range models are also available via your local stockist too. We've worked hard to keep prices the same as the first run - £139.99 (DC/DCC Ready) and £239.99 (DCC Sound fitted), and don't forget you'll also benefit from free UK delivery and collect Accurascale Reward Points that you can exchange for discounts on future purchases, such as decoders or ModelU crews! PRE-ORDER YOUR MODELS TODAY View the full article

it's not in tooling yet.

running beautifully on Barrow Street....

In this video its quite visibly the coupling hook is sitting upwards and catching the pipes as a result. If you turned the coach upside down it would not occur. This will also sound harsh but the only thing hornby track is fit for is the bin. We recommend PECO track. If anyone is having an issue please email us at support@accurascale.com, preferably with a video clip showing us where the derailment is happening on your layout. Cheers! Fran

Very well done on Bachmann for that. The recent upheaval I allude to is the closure of the Kader factory for making model trains (they now have to use independent factories like the rest of us) and their recent firing of their UK MD who has since stood trial in recent weeks for possessing indecent images of minors.

Welcome to the 'AccuraBone'! We're delighted to announce that the next all-new locomotive in the Accurascale range is the mighty BREL Class 58 diesel in 'OO' gauge! Built to haul heavy coal trains on Britain's famous Merry-Go-Round circuits, the Class 58 embodied British Rail's vision for the future of freight. Combining a distinctive modular design with advanced engineering and electronics, these powerful locomotives were created to meet the demands of the 1980s and beyond. Affectionately nicknamed 'Bones' thanks to their distinctive narrow-bodied design and full-width cabs, the Class 58 burst onto the scene in 1983 as British Rail's next-generation heavy freight locomotive. Built to tackle the demanding coal flows between collieries and power stations, these hardworking machines soon became a familiar sight across Britain's industrial heartlands, hauling the trains that helped keep the nation's lights on. Continuing the 'Powering Britain' story that began with our popular HUO coal hopper range, the all-new Accurascale Class 58 is the perfect locomotive for recreating the heavy freight operations that defined the Railfreight era. In development for over three years here at Accurascale, this locomotive, designed entirely new from the ground-up, has been a labour of love for Project Manager Steve Purves. Watch our launch video below to learn more about the project and everything that makes up the brand new Accurascale Class 58: The Accurascale Class 58 faithfully captures the many variations found across the fleet, featuring a range of prototype-specific tooling differences and finely rendered details throughout. Beneath the bodywork, a powerful five-pole motor with twin flywheels, all-wheel drive, all-wheel pick-up and a built-in stay-alive system ensure exceptional performance. Completing the package are working radiator fans, a comprehensive lighting suite including cab and desk lights, and DCC-ready electronics designed for easy decoder installation. Our first production run showcases some of the Class 58's most iconic liveries, charting the story of the class from its introduction through to preservation. From the striking Railfreight Red Stripe livery carried when the fleet entered service, to the much-loved Railfreight Coal triple-grey scheme synonymous with Britain's heavy coal traffic, each model captures a defining era of freight operation. The journey continues into the privatisation era with both Mainline Grey and the eye-catching Mainline Blue livery, while a special highlight of the range is preserved locomotive 58023, depicted in its current condition as it continues its remarkable return to operational status. Scheduled to arrive in Q4 2027, you can pre-order yours today, exclusively from Accurascale, with no deposit down! Prices start at £169.99 (DC/DCC Ready) and £259.99 (DCC Sound fitted), and don't forget you'll also benefit from free UK delivery and collect Accurascale Reward Points that you can exchange for discounts on future purchases, such as decoders or ModelU crews! PRE-ORDER YOUR CLASS 58s TODAY EXCLUSIVELY FROM ACCURASCALE Why Direct Only? We wished to offer these locomotives through our retailer network, but due to the complexity of the Class 58 body, which requires three times the amount of body tooling compared to a traditional British outline diesel locomotive alone due to its narrow body shape and wide cabs, the price would’ve been circa £220 DC/DCC Ready and £320.00 DCC sound fitted. With the current economic conditions as they are, we simply could not ask you to pay out such significant outlays. So, we are offering a smaller run direct only to ensure modellers can save at least £50 per locomotive in this first run. Future runs may be offered to trade at higher RRPs should economic conditions improve. We've always been committed to the best possible value for your models, and that ethos simply cannot be changed. Our hobby needs to be fun, sustainable and affordable, and this is the cheapest price point we can offer these locomotives at for you to enjoy. Meet the new fleet of Accurascale Class 58s! 58016 - Railfreight Coal 58016 entered service during October 1984 and, although part of the first batch of 35 locomotives, differed in several subtle ways from the as-built 58001. Outshopped in Railfreight Red Stripe livery, it featured the revised cab side sheets, bodyside door handles and a moisture trap/filter on the air brake pipework. It was repainted into Triple Grey with Coal Sector branding in 1989 and had by then gained a wide exhaust silencer and NRN radio pods on the cab roof. In 1991, the familiar Toton cooling towers depot plaque was added to the secondman's side. During 1992, 58016 became notable for deputising on a Sprinter diagram between Cambridge and Birmingham with a motley collection of Mk2 coaches. Like many others in the fleet, Coal Sector branding later gave way to Mainline branding and the locomotive continued in Triple Grey until receiving a striking coat of EWS maroon and gold in 1996. 58016 was one of the final Class 58s to operate in Britain for EWS before withdrawal in August 2002. Selected for export to France with Fertis, it later returned to the UK and entered storage at Crewe Diesel Depot. It remained there until being purchased for preservation by the Class 58 Locomotive Group. Today, the locomotive resides at UKRL's depot in Leicester. 58017 - Mainline Freight Triple Grey Delivered from BREL Doncaster during October 1984, 58017 remained in its as-delivered condition until 1989 when it was repainted into Triple Grey with Coal Sector branding. It gained a Toton depot plaque but remained unnamed. In September 1993 it was named "Eastleigh Depot" and soon afterwards received Mainline branding. It remained in this condition right up until withdrawal and storage in April 1999. The locomotive subsequently became a parts donor for locomotives overhauled for export and was rather ironically scrapped by EMR at Eastleigh in January 2014. 58023 - Mainline Freight Blue - PRESERVED CONDITION Entering service in December 1984, 58023 was a typical mid-batch locomotive. Most reliability modifications had been incorporated, but it pre-dated the more substantial changes introduced with the second batch. Outshopped in Railfreight Red Stripe livery, it worked for several years before being displayed at the Welbeck Colliery Open Day on 25 June 1989 in freshly applied Triple Grey with Coal Sector branding. A locomotive that would remain unnamed for some time, it continued in this condition until receiving Mainline Freight's Aircraft Blue livery and the name "Peterborough Depot". It retained both name and livery until withdrawal in July 2001. Following many years in storage at the rear of Toton Depot, it was eventually dispatched to Ron Hull's scrapyard. A last-minute deal saved the locomotive from scrapping and it entered preservation under private ownership during 2016. Since then it has been restored to full working order and, from late 2024 onwards, has appeared at diesel galas around the country. During restoration it was renamed "Leicester Depot", reflecting its current home base. 58023 has effectively become the Class 58 for a new generation. As the only operational member of the class in Britain for more than two decades, it represents many enthusiasts' only opportunity to experience a working Class 58 in action. 58040 Railfreight Red Stripe 58040 was released to traffic on 16 March 1986. This locomotive is typical of the second batch of 15 Class 58s and featured many differences from the earlier 35. The engine room doors were now fitted with proper handles, cab ventilation had been improved through the addition of cab side vents, and the cab access handrails had changed to a full-height design. Underneath, the bogies had been revised to the new CP3A type with external sandboxes. 58040 was notable for carrying a wider exhaust silencer fitted with experimental round exhaust ports located at the opposite end to normal. As this was only a trial, they were later replaced by a standard wide silencer with conventional exhaust ports. Our model offers both options. The locomotive gained the name "Cottam Power Station" soon after construction, after the power station in North Nottinghamshire near Retford. The name remained with the locomotive until withdrawal. It was not the only adornment carried, as 58040 was also one of the few Class 58s to receive cast "Railfreight" plaques on the cab fronts. 58040 was repainted into Triple Grey during 1991 and carried Coal Sector branding until 1994, when Mainline branding took its place. It remained in this condition until withdrawal and storage. The locomotive was later reactivated and exported to France, where it worked for a number of years before finally being cut up at Alizay Depot in 2023. 58042 - Railfreight Coal 58042 was handed over to traffic during May 1986 and, like other members of the class, carried Railfreight Red Stripe livery from new. A typical second-batch Class 58, it ran with CP3A bogies and the wider exhaust silencer. It was named "Ironbridge Power Station" in September 1986 after the power station in Shropshire and also carried cast Railfreight plaques on its cab fronts. Repainted into Triple Grey with Coal Sector branding in 1991, it continued to work the Midlands MGR circuits but was also used on railtours, including workings into Kent. In 1995, the Coal Sector branding briefly gave way to Mainline logos before a full repaint into Mainline's Aircraft Blue livery. It retained its Ironbridge nameplates for a short period before being renamed "Petrolea", whose nameplates had previously migrated from 47374 to 37888 before finally finding a home on 58042. Following periods in and out of traffic, the locomotive was finally stored on 12 April 2002. After several years in storage, it was reactivated for export to France, where it worked before ultimately being cut up at Alizay in 2023. 58046 - Mainline Freight Blue 58046 was handed over to BR during October 1986. Nearing the end of the Class 58 build programme, it incorporated all of the later modifications from new. Initially unnamed, it received the name "Thoresby Colliery" on 7 July 1991 and was outshopped in gleaming Triple Grey with Coal Sector branding. The naming took place at the High Marnham Power Station open day, not far from the colliery after which it was named. Coal Sector branding was removed in 1994 and, during 1995, the locomotive emerged in Mainline Freight's Aircraft Blue livery. In September 1996 it was renamed "Asfordby Mine", becoming the only locomotive to carry the RJB Mining logo on its nameplates. It also worked the famous "Worksop Aberdonian" railtour alongside 58002. Unusually, no headboard was carried; instead, one cab on each locomotive displayed the tour title in vinyl on the cab front. These remained in place until withdrawal in September 2000. 58046 would be another locomotive to enjoy a second career in France before being disposed of at Alizay in 2023. Accurascale Class 58 Model Specification: Model details • Narrow, experimental (58040 only) or wide exhaust silencer • Bodysides with or without door handles • CP3 or CP3A bogie variations • Cabs with or without side air vents • Deep or shallow rear cab corner profiles • Three types of cab door handrail/baffle arrangement • Cab roofs with or without NRN radio pods • Era-correct cooler group designs visible behind bodyside grilles (three styles) • Windscreen washer fillers with or without protective guards General details • Fully detailed cab interior with full-depth floor and separate fittings • Separately fitted handrails and bogie pipework • CP3A bogies feature clear sandbox covers • Ribbed light lenses as per the prototype • Finely detailed bufferbeam equipment • Etched windscreen wipers and horn grilles • Optional bogie retaining wires for operation on tighter-radius curves • Separately fitted etched roof lifting eyes • Detailed traction motors fitted beneath the bogies Mechanical and electrical details • Powerful five-pole motor with twin flywheels providing all-wheel drive • All-wheel pick-up and integrated stay-alive system • Hall sensors on bogies for automatic flange squeal activation • Comprehensive lighting suite with independently controlled running, cab and desk lights • Twin motorised working radiator fans • Removable roof panel providing easy access to decoder and DC lighting switches PRE-ORDER YOUR CLASS 58s TODAY EXCLUSIVELY FROM ACCURASCALE View the full article