Class 121 - BR Blue/Grey - W55028 - O Scale

Thought to be the UK’s longest serving first generation Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU), the Class 121s were first introduced in 1960. Nicknamed ‘Bubble Cars’, a total of 16 Class 121 Driving Motor Brake Second (DMBS) units were built by the Pressed Steel Company between 1960 and 1961 following the same basic design of the Class 117 3-Car DMU, featuring the standard ‘Derby’ cab and high-density seating. They were similar to the Class 122 DMUs but were distinguished by the presence of the four character headcode box above the cab. The single car units had a cab at each end, plus a guard’s area and seating for 65 passengers. Where additional capacity was required the Class 121s could be coupled with other DMUs that had blue square multiple working equipment.

Delivered to the Western Region, the units were intended for use on branch lines in Cornwall and the Thames Valley. The Class later spread further across the Western Region, whilst also moving to other areas in due course, with several examples ending up with Network SouthEast following Sectorisation. Many of the Class were later repurposed for Departmental work although three remained in passenger service with Silverlink following Privatisation. Chiltern Railways were the final operator of the Class 121s, using two for services between Aylesbury and Princes Risborough, the final unit was withdrawn in 2017. A significant number of the Class survive in preservation.

Model

1:76 Scale model of a Class 121 Diesel Locomotive decorated in BR livery. This model features lots of expertly applied details as based on the prototype, a high level of body detail and excellent running characteristics.

Features

• Analogue DC Model
• NEM Couplings
• Hghly Detailed Finish
• Two axle drive
• Separate metal bearings fitted to each driven axle
• Trailing axles run in metal pinpoint bearings
• Electrical pickup from all wheels
• Diecast metal, multi-stage gearbox, with gearing arranged for prototypical running speeds and haulage capabilities
• 16.5mm (OO gauge) wheels to NEM310 & NEM311 standards with authentic profile and detailing
• Separately applied detail parts, including metal lamp irons and cab end handrails, exhaust pipes and windscreen wipers
• Bogies constructed from multiple components featuring brake and suspension detail and steps where prototypically appropriate
• Speedometer with flexible connection between bogie and solebar
• A wealth of separately fitted underframe components including engines, exhaust systems, electrical gear and auxiliary equipment
• Interior detailing including seating, partitions and driver’s chair and control desk in each cab
• Sprung metal buffers
• Each model is supplied with a full set of decorated bufferbeam pipework and accessory parts
• Directional lighting, including illuminated headcode panels* and high intensity headlights*, switchable on/off independently at either end via the chassis-mounted switches or via dedicated DCC functions (*where applicable to the prototype being modelled)
• Separately illuminated destination panels, switchable on/off independently at either end via the chassis-mounted switches or via dedicated DCC functions
• Passenger saloon lighting – switchable on/off via the chassis-mounted switches or via a dedicated DCC function
• Cab interior lighting – switchable on/off via the chassis-mounted switches or via a dedicated DCC function
• Authentic light colours and temperatures selected for each lighting application
• A quality speaker employed for optimum sound reproduction, fitted to every model as standard
• Directional Lighting