Dapol have revealed production samples of their new batch of Class 21 & Class 29 diesel locomotives in OO Gauge, due for release in 2026!
This new run includes new guises of these popular locomotives in BR plain green, BR two-tone green and BR blue liveries showcasing much of their original lifespan. New for 2026, the models have been upgraded to feature separately fitted tablet catchers and now also feature optional NEM snowploughs in the detail packs.
Five different variations are available to pre-order now, either DCC ready, DCC Fitted or DCC Sound Fitted.
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Product Features
Highly detailed models with separately fitted parts including handrails, lamp irons, seps, pipework, sanding gear, vents and more
Accurate tooling variations for the Class 21s and Class 29s as well as era/ loco-specific differences
Digital & Sound capability - 21-pin socket (Factory DCC & Sound versions available)
Finely detailed cast wheels
Metal sprung buffers
5 pole Super creep motor with twin brass fly wheels for controlled pulling power and incredible slow running speed
All wheel drive and pick up
Independent directional and cab lighting
Includes magnetic couplings and traditional couplings
Accessory bag with optional fitted components
Prototype Information
ABOUT THE CLASS 21
A total of 58 Class 21 locomotives were produced by the North British Locomotive Co between 1958 and 1960. Externally similar to the Class 22, they actually shared no mechanical parts. Unfortunately, the class proved to be unsuccessful due to their unreliable licence-built MAN engines and between 1963-65, a total of 20 were rebuilt with new Paxman Ventura power units and became the Class 29. The remaining 38 Class 21s were withdrawn and scrapped by the end of 1968, with the 29s all being scrapped by 1971. None of the class survived into preservation.
(Information provided via Wikipedia)
ABOUT THE CLASS 29s
The Class 21 locomotives were built in the late 1950s and proved unreliable due to their MAN power units, built under license in the UK. To resolve this, British Railways chose to rebuild 20 of the locomotives with high-speed Paxman Ventura power units. The first trial rebuild took place in 1963 at Paxman's own works in Colchester. Nineteen more locomotives were converted between 1965 and 1967 at Glasgow or Inverurie works, before returning to service in Scotland. During the rebuild, each locomotive had a four-character headcode box added to each end. The Class 29s were immediately more reliable than the previous Class 21s, and the locomotives were put to work throughout the Scottish Lowlands on secondary passenger and light freight duties. Class 29s could also be seen on the famous West Highland line between Glasgow, Oban, Fort William and Mallaig and also occasionally as far north as Inverness. WIth the closure of some Scottish routes in the late 1960s, less locomotives were required to operate BR's Scottish Region. Despite their new reliablility, the locomotives were viewed as non-standard when compared to other classes and quickly withdrawn, with the last removed from service in late 1971. No Class 21s or 29s were preserved.