In partnership with Dapol, Rails of Sheffield have announced that they are producing the ex SECR / SR D1 Class locomotive. Production is already well underway with a current ETA being late Autumn 2022. The first livery samples have already been ‘apparently’ reviewed by Dapol.
This locomotive follows on from the Wainwright D Class.
The model will be available in six liveries:
- SECR Maunsell D1 Class SECR Grey 4-4-0 Steam Locomotive No.735
- SECR Maunsell D1 Class Southern SR Maunsell Green 4-4-0 Loco No.1749
- SECR Maunsell D1 Class Southern SR Maunsell Green 4-4-0 Loco No.1741
- SECR Maunsell D1 Class BR Black (Early Crest) 4-4-0 Locomotive No.31741
- SECR Maunsell D1 Class BR Black (Late Crest) 4-4-0 Locomotive No.31246
- SECR Maunsell D1 Class BR Black (Sunshine Lettering) 4-4-0 Loco No.31487
They are available to pre-order both DCC ready and DCC sound fitted. £199.95 DCC Ready, £324.95 DCC Sound Fitted.
After 1901 the D class locomotive further more powerful locomotives were investigated by the companies. After Richard Maunsell took over as CME from Harry Wainwright in 1913 he worked on a series of new locomotives which were intended for a long service life, this involved the conversion and upgrade of 11 E class locomotives, resulting in the E1 class. This proved very successful and led directly to the conversion of 21 D class into the D1 class between 1921 and 1927. Though arguably, not as elegant as the D class equipped with a larger boiler, a belpaire firebox and longer travel cylinders the D1 was able to produce a considerable haulage and power increase over its predecessors.
Initially allocated to Ashford shed, this class was to be found all over the south-eastern division from London to the south.
All were withdrawn by November 1961, no preserved examples exist.
The model variations include:
- Two frame variations (to include early D class conversions)
- Two cab types
- Two Chimney types
- Two Smokebox types
- Three dome types (with/without top feed and plated)
- Two safety valve types (Ross-pop and Ramsbottom)
- With and without smokebox snifter valves
- ‘High capacity’ tenders
- Manual and automatic lubricators
The technical specification includes: Diecast Chassis, Sprung buffers, Pickup from tender and driving wheels, 5 pole motor located within boiler, Pull-out PCB for tool free DCC & Speaker fitting, ‘Snap-fit’ conductive tender drawbar, Options for bass reflex speaker in tender (pre-wired) and Firebox glow.
Rails of Sheffield advise “The images shown are of early decorated production samples and are NOT final production models. Various amendments and alterations have been reported and will be altered on final production models.” Lets hope that that the review includes improvements to some of the colours lining and lettering, but such issues were not improved on the previous D class (I still need to replace the decals’ on mine with correct versions).
The D1 is however a good addition to the SR locomotive fleet available in 00.
Definitely going to be getting one.
Hmm, would they have been malachite at any point? Would be a shame not to have that option.
None of the D1s gained malachite green
Ah, good to know, thanks.
Great news!
Pity! No pre nationalization. Southern wartime black with sunshine lettering.
Maybe later?
Even if they did to be the correct font and size it would need replacement decals, so I have ordered the “BR sunshine” version and replace decals
Have to agree with you Graham about the sunshine lettering you posted elsewhere so I’m ordering one in BR black with the early emblem.
Here’s a question for the learned ones, what were the differences between the D1s and E1s?
There were differences in wheelbase and overall length but once the Ds were rebuilt to D1s with Belpaire fireboxes they were very similar looking and tricky to tell apart both visually and performance wise, the easiest way to tell is that the E1 with its 6 inch longer coupled wheelbase had fluted coupling rods.
I know E1s had fluted coupling rods, would have to check on other differences.
I wonder if any allowance has been made for conversion to EM/P4? (will ask Rails).
Hi Rod, the D1 coupled wheelbase was 6″ shorter at 9’0″ than the E1 and also the overall length was slightly shorter.
Thank you for the heads-up!
Orders placed….
Beauty’s in the eye of the beholder, I guess.
I actually think that this is more handsome and imposing that the D Class. I bailed on my pre-order for that, for numerous reasons. But this is tempting.
Just don’t tell the CFO! 😉
I was sent this link to Hornby magazine:
Another hit to the wallet, it’s got to be done.
Damage done to my wallets already. BR late crest ordered. Well done Dapol for looking after the Southern once more which is something Bachmann do not do very much.