Dapol have revealed an engineering sample for their newly tooled range of Class 323 electric multiple units in OO Gauge!
This exciting new range of units is expected to arrive in stock during Q3 2026 and seven different models are available to pre-order now. All of these are available DCC ready, DCC fitted or DCC Sound Fitted.
The British Railways 323 Project has reached the end of the initial tooling phase and Dapol are delighted to announce the arrival of a functioning EP. The design team is currently evaluating the EP for both its running characteristics and its aesthetic qualities. It is early days, and there are a few things to iron out but it is generally looking really good at the moment.
Dapol's Class 323 tooling will cover both 'early' and 'later' versions of the class, with detail variations provided for different destination boards, headlamp clusters and more.
Exclusive First Look
At the Alsager Model Exhibition on Saturday 8th November we managed to get an exclusive close up look at the first engineering sample for Dapol's all-new Class 323 - check out our images here.
Please note this is an early sample and is subject to revisions from Dapol's design team.
Pre-Order Now
Product Features
Available in DC, DCC and DCC Sound Versions
Plux-22 DCC Socket
14-Pin Electrical Connection between cars – just one DCC Chip needed.
Speaker fitted in each driving car as standard
Low profile motor in centre car driving all wheels.
DCC Controllable lighting, including Door Open lights when in stations.
DC switchable tail-lights as standard· Bespoke DCC Sound scheme.
Bodyside display indicators on 4D-323-001 and 4D-323-002
Close-coupling mechanism within set.
Accurate livery reproduction.
Alternative destination labels.
Interior and cab lighting.
Working BSI coupling on front ends to allow 6 or 9-car operation.
Correct bodyside and headlight arrangements for all versions.
Original and refurbished internal layout in centre car.
Correct toilet modules for original and refurbished units”
Fully painted interior, with correct colour schemes for each version.
Poseable dummy pantograph and full roof detail.
Prototype Information
The British Rail Class 323 is a class of electric multiple unit (EMU) passenger train built by Hunslet Transportation Projects and Holec. All 43 units were built from 1992 through to 1995. Entering service in 1994, the 323s were among the last trains to enter service with British Rail before its privatisation in the mid-1990s.
The units were designed to operate on inner-suburban commuter lines in and around Birmingham and Manchester with swift acceleration and high reliability. The units are known for the distinctive sounds that can be heard during acceleration or deceleration. These sounds are generated by the traction electronics. The Class 323s were initially beset with a number of technical problems related to their traction motors, doors, traction converters, gearbox and vibration at high speed which took several years to resolve, preventing them from entering service. The first unit finally entered revenue-earning service on 7 February 1994.
Of the 43 units built, 26 are in operation with West Midlands Trains and 17 with Northern Trains. In the first half of 2024 the West Midlands Trains units are planned to be replaced by new Class 730 EMUs, and 34 units will be operated by Northern Trains.