GAUGE‘OO’MODELDapol 4D-088-003 Class 88 88007Electra, DRS ‘Compass’ bluePRICE£199.95 (DCC-ready)AVAILABILITYRails of SheffieldWebwww.railsofsheffield.com

T he ‘OO’ gauge Class 68 has been one of Dapol’s most popular – and most acclaimed – diesel-outline locomotives of the past decade, being reprised for several production runs and catering for the various liveries that have been carried by the Stadler locomotives since their introduction in 2013.

With the Class 88 electro-diesel locomotives carrying a strong resemblance to the ‘68s’, many of us with an interest in the modern scene had wondered if Dapol would also add this fleet to its portfolio. Happily, as announced last year, the ‘88’ was indeed in the pipeline, being produced as an exclusive commission for Rails of Sheffield, with the models arriving during late February.

Four versions have been produced in this initial run, three carrying the stylish ‘Compass’ livery, including 88003 Genesis with the latest style of DRS lettering. There’s also a rendition of the unique 88010 Aurora in its current COOL MOVE Refrigerated Rail advertising vinyls. All versions are available in DCC-ready, DCC-fitted and DCC sound options, with the decoder-equipped models boasting working pantographs.

ELECTRIFYING

Under review here, is 88007 Electra, a personal favourite (the prototype tends to pop up regularly whenever I’m changing trains at Carlisle) in DCC-ready format. And what a beauty it is.

Supplied in Dapol’s standard foam-lined packaging, with Rails of Sheffield branding, the ‘88’ impresses straight away. Like the Class 68, it’s a heavy beast, tipping the scales at 714g, and it really does look the part, capturing the prototype’s stylish-yet-purposeful appearance to perfection.