We have just received a production sample of our EXCLUSIVE Dapol O Gauge Class 66 diesel locomotive - due alongside the full range in November/ December 2026!
Expected to arrive during November/December 2026, this impressive new range features seven different liveries, including our very own Rails Exclusive GBRf 66779 'Evening Star', finished in its stunning heritage BR lined green livery. We're delighted to have just received a production sample of our exclusive model, giving us our best look yet at this fantastic locomotive! Samples of the other six liveries have also previously been showcased, highlighting the incredible attention to detail throughout the range.
These newly tooled locomotives are packed with an impressive array of features, including twin motors, heavyweight diecast chassis, finely detailed bodyshells, etched radiator grilles, illuminated engine rooms, detailed cab interiors and extensive directional lighting functions. Each model has been designed to deliver outstanding realism and powerful performance, with a choice of DCC Ready, DCC Fitted, DCC Sound and Deluxe Spatial Sound configurations to suit different modelling preferences.
One of the biggest highlights is the advanced Deluxe Spatial Sound system, which uses two Zimo sound decoders and a specially designed four-speaker arrangement to reproduce sounds from different areas of the locomotive. This means engine, cooling fan and horn sounds can be heard from their respective positions, creating an incredibly immersive and realistic experience! With seven fantastic liveries to choose from, including our exclusive 'Evening Star', these superb locomotives are shaping up to be one of the most exciting O Gauge releases of the year. Pre-orders are open now at Rails of Sheffield!
Pre-Order Now - Exclusive to Rails
Pre-Order Now - General Release
Product Features
Highly detailed model with many separately fitted parts including handrails, handles, grilles, footsteps, pipework and more
Etched grilles now with added detail showing radiator equipment with engine room lighting
Heavyweight Diecast chassis and diecast bogie frames
Working rotating axle centres
Multiple Digital & Sound options:
- DCC Ready - 2 x Plux22 decoder sockets
- DCC Fitted - 2 x Imperium decoders
- DCC Sound - 1 x Zimo sound decoder + 1 x Imperium decoder with dual speaker system
- DCC Spatial Sound - 2 x Zimo sound decoders with quad speaker system
About DCC Spatial Sound:
DCC Spatial Sound using two Zimo Plux22 sound decoders to offer true stereo sound, a first for O gauge RTR. Amongst other effects, engine sounds will now emanate from the engine end, horns will be spatial and fan sounds will come from the fan end. The two-speaker system used will also be of our own design and incorporate 4 drive units which will enhance the bass and treble and make the whole experience more immersive than has been possible before. Coupled with our `RealDrive’ feature will make this a truly realistic driving experience.
Two motors (balanced & matched) for maximum pulling power and slow speed running control
Operating front/rear lights (independent operation for DCC, (switched for DC use) Includes day/night mode)
Operating ‘side’ lights (where lighting cluster is applicable)
Cab light (independent operation)
Detailed cab with illuminated cab control panel
Factory sound fitted models to be fitted with RealDrive
DC control switches to be accessible via lift-off roof panel
Appropriate couplings attached
O gauge society wheel profiles
Sprung buffers
Interchangeable front buffer beams with the option for an auto coupler to be used
The entire buffer beam assembly can be swapped out leaving no unsightly seams on the valance
Prototype Information
The Class 66 is a six-axle diesel-electric freight locomotive, somewhat based on the earlier Class 59 locomotives. The class has proved to be highly successful with a total production run of 480 in the UK (with additional locos imported from overseas following this) and alternative versions of the loco being marketed to Europe as the EMD Class 66.
Upon privatisation, a number of newly-privatised rail freight companies; Transrail, Mainline, Loadhaul, Railfreight Distribution, and RES were bought out and became EWS. EWS inherited a fleet of 1,600 mostly diesel locomotives, including many Class 47s which had to be overhauled every 7 years at a cost of £400,000. In an effort to reduce their operating costs, EWS approached Electro-Motive Diesel to build new locomotives based on the Class 59 bodyshell but with a different engine and traction motors to enable higher speed running - leading to the commissioning of the Class 66.
EWS ordered 250 Class 66 locos, in what was termed "the biggest British loco order since steam days". Further orders were placed by Freightliner, GB Railfreight, and Direct Rail Services in later years. 66779 was the last Class 66 to be built as the design could no longer meet the stringent stage 3b emissions regulations.
The locomotives have proved to be extremely reliable and adaptable, being used for across a huge spectrum of UK freight operations.