◆ GAUGE ‘OO’ ◆ MODEL Accurascale Class 55 ‘Deltic’ D9012 Crepello, 55022 Royal Scots Grey ◆ PRICE From £160 each ◆ Web www.accurascale.co.uk

Not long after its launch as a manufacturer in 2018, Accurascale announced its intention to produce a high‐fidelity 4mm scale model of one of the most iconic diesel locomotives, the Class 55 ‘Deltic’.

Few other diesels have garnered similar levels of obsession among enthusiasts. Maybe it was their distinctive sound that set them apart from other contemporary diesels? Their supreme performance and imposing appearance probably helped as well!

After nearly four years of rising anticipation, Accurascale’s ‘Deltics’ have finally arrived.

The models have been billed as offering a new level of detail and performance, so it has been interesting to cast our eyes over a selection of production models and put them through our rigorous review process.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The advance sample of BR green D9014, that we were loaned for last month’s cover shoot, was remarkable on many levels.

However, it had received a few bumps and scrapes from being passed around, so it didn’t seem fair to treat it as a bona fide review sample. This pair of BR blue ‘Deltics’, on the other hand, are more representative of what Accurascale customers can expect to receive. Packaged beautifully in foam-lined boxes, complete with a mini magazine and instruction booklet, the models are very impressive at first glance. D9012 Crepello depicts a ‘Deltic’ in late 1960s/early 1970s condition, while 55022 Royal Scots Grey carries grey roof panels, silver fuel tanks and white handrails, capturing the prototype during the latter months of its BR career when it ran several farewell tours.