AC electric and catenary announced
Date: 17 May 2008
Source: Dapol
Dapol announced to members of the N gauge society during this weekends AGM held at Redhill, that we are currently working on the AL6 class 86 electric locomotive for release early next year.
We are also working on the introduction of a simple but accurate UK outline catenary system in moulded plastic.
Class 86 electric locomotive
This class of locomotive has been around since the early days of electrification on the West Coast Mainline, and members of the class have graduated away to the Eastern Region for Liverpool St. - Norwich express passenger trains.
Others have been seen on freight, both mixed, container and mail services, while 2 have been re-employed on overhead line ice removal duties. Some are still employed with Freightliner while a growing number are slowly re-entering traffic with private companies for 'spot hire', and railtour 'specials'.
Appearing in over 17 colourful liveries over the years, Dapol's model will, over time, faithfully reproduce most if not all the popular ones plus some 'one off' specials and un-powered variants in 'twin packs'.
The specification for this model is as follows;
New Dapol 5 pole, high skew wound motor with 'super creep' technology.
Brass flywheels
Low friction mechanism
DCC ready with NEM 651 6pin socket fitted.
RP25.72 darkened profile wheels with 7.4mm back to back measurements.
Sprung scale pantograph (possibly wired for current collection).
Interior cab detail.
Directional lighting.
NEM coupling pockets.
Customer fitted air pipes, couplings and jumper cables (where applicable for model).
Etched Brass factory fitted nameplates (where applicable for model / livery).
Various front end, bogie and pantograph differences modelled.
This model will make the perfect addition for our upcoming MK3 DVT so make sure you keep looking for updated news of this exciting project.
N gauge catenary system announced by Dapol
Also announced at the Redhill N gauge Society AGM was the start of an extensive range of UK outline Catenary, beginning with single posts.
These posts will be available as multi packs incorporating both long and short arm to give the authentic 'zig zag' look of the real thing.
Each mast will be made from plastic, with a moulded concrete base along with a plastic bolt of approximately 1inch in length. It will come with a plastic 'wingnut' which incorporates a washer for firm under baseboard securing.
Simply make a hole slightly larger than the bolt, push the bolt through the hole, lining up the mast arm with the track, and tighten up the 'wingnut' on the underside of your baseboard. Nice, easy and fast installation!
As it's all made from plastic, the system will be a cheap but accurate way of quickly getting over head electric equipment to your layout. And the ease of fitting will allow for quick replacement should a mast or 2 (two) get damaged.
This system, will be developed to include spans, tension weights etc over time, and also allow Dapol to possibly explore the avenue of overhead EMU's.
Please keep checking the news pags for updated information.
