After the success of our last run of 'Deltic' models, it's time to take a look at the production sample of the OO gauge Dublo DP1 ‘Deltic’ in NRM Preserved condition, which is now in stock. This imposing, 900-gram behemoth is truly at the forefront of what can be achieved in 4mm scale, including a raft of never-seen-before features on a Hornby model.

History of DP1

DP1, built by Dick, Kerr and Co. in Preston, was a prototype locomotive fitted with a ‘Deltic’ valveless diesel engine – the same engine found in Royal Navy ships. Outshopped in 1955 in a unique colour scheme of baby blue and cream, it was in service with BR in its original colour scheme and condition until November 1960, when an enormous oil leak was discovered on one of the engines, something that could lead to terminal engine failure if not addressed.

The locomotive was sent back to English Electrics works but work on it was not given the go ahead, and it was officially withdrawn from BR's locomotive roster in 1961. The design was deemed such a success that British Railways ordered 22 production Deltics for use on the East Coast Mainline, which were given the TOPS code Class 55.

The locomotive was stored for a few years before being donated to the science museum in 1963. It has never run in preservation, largely because it has been inside on static display, and also owing to the engine components being removed after their failure. Although only having a short working life, DP1 has been a preservation icon as part of the National Railway Museum collection, spending time at the York and Shildon sites.

What’s inside?

As with previous Dublo releases, DP1’s main components are moulded in die-cast, including the bodyshell, chassis block, bogies and underframe. Not only does this contribute to fantastic running characteristics, it gives the model a museum quality finish, which has been expertly decorated using prototypically correct paint colours and typefaces to depict DP1 in its preserved state within the National Railway Museum in York.

Complementing this incredible craftsmanship are several separately fitted parts, like the metal wire handrails, lamp irons, bogey chains, etched roof radiator grilles, and driver figures. Alongside the already impressive specification, which can be found here, are several firsts for a Hornby OO Gauge model:

• Illuminated instrument panels fitted in the cabs which emanate a pleasing glow when whizzing round a layout.

• Working roof fans, which operate in two groups of two and turn on automatically when power is applied. The speed can also be manually controlled.

• Flashing ‘Mars’ warning light, which is controllable on DCC.

• Magnetic removable roof panel to gain access to DCC Decoder Socket.

• Flange squeal utilising optical sensors mounted in the bogies to automatically detect when the loco is going round a corner, and then play speed dependant sounds.
• Sound-fitted versions also have sugar cube and EM1 type bass speakers. 

Please note that full functionality of the lighting suite and sounds are available on DCC only.

Although DP1 only had a short working life, it had quite a few livery differences over the years, so we will be covering those in future announcements.

In the meantime, take a look at this stunning locomotive for yourself. Our last run of 'Deltics' didn't last long, so if you want a DP1 on your layout, don't hang about.

Happy modelling!