| Brand: |
DJ Models |
| Part Number: |
OO71-004 |
| Scale / Type: |
OO Scale |
| Our Code: |
DJMOO71-004 |
History
As part of the BTC Modernisation Plan of 1955, twenty-four electric locomotives were built at Doncaster Works in 1958 for the Kent Coast main lines. They were classified type HA under the pre-TOPS scheme and operated from a 3rd rail at 650 volts DC (Eastern & Central sections) or 750 volts DC (Western section) and control was by flywheel booster. In some yards overhead catenary energized to 650 V DC was used as it was deemed too dangerous to have third rail with staff constantly at ground level reaching into low running areas to couple and uncouple trains. The overhead system utilised tram-style catenary and pantographs.
They were mixed-traffic locomotives and their 2700 hp was useful for heavy freight and express passenger work. Acceleration on passenger trains (even when heavily loaded) was quite astonishing. Prestigious services including the “Night Ferry” and the “Golden Arrow” were a mainstay of the class for many years.
As more areas of the Eastern section were given over to EMU operation the class soon found itself ousted almost completely from passenger work with newspaper and night ferry workings the exception. Most were scrapped in fully working order having been withdrawn purely through lack of work.
10 examples were converted to Electro-Diesel locomotives in the mid to late 1960s and designated Class 74. These were in use mainly on the South Western Division until 1977.
A single member of the Class 71 survives in preservation. E5001 is part of the National Collection and is in full working order. No Class 74s were preserved.
Model
For the first time, a UK OO model railway locomotive was funded up front by the customers who, in return received a model for their faith in signing up to this project. By crowd sourcing the finance for this model DJ Model were able to start work almost immediately. Laser scanning was carried out and cad/cam production progressed. Whereas otherwise it would take up to 2 years this process should make it possible to achieve in a much shorter timescale.
The model featured a coreless motor, heavy chassis, directional lighting, etched grilles where possible, separate wire handrails, DCC 21 pin decoder socket with a large space for a sound speaker and sprung buffers. Provision within the tooling will be made for alternate slide details for the Class 74 at a later date.
The price of the Class 71 model through this process was £125.00 which included postage and packing within the United Kingdom. Overseas postage was at cost, with a VAT deduction for non-EU orders. A special limited edition certificate and unique running number and livery combinations made this batch of models more exclusive.
Originally DJ Models had intended to use the “Kickstarter” process. However there were many hurdles to cross to start one and it has led DJ Models to reconsider the Kickstarter funding situation via Kickstarter themselves not least that the price would have had to be 10% dearer to provide for their costs.
Sprung NEM Standard Close Coupling Mechanism
NEM Coupling box
Coreless motor
21 pin decoder socket
Room for the largest rectangular enclosed speaker for those that wish to use DCC sound
3 different lighting modes
Fully detailed and accurately painted cab interior
Fully accurate poseable pantograph
Accurately modelled etched steel windscreen wipers
2 different body styles, cab ends and alternate roof details
On/Off lighting switches for use on Analogue (DC) control
Heavy metal chassis
Etched builders plates
Replacement front valance (Customer fitted) for those that do not require coupling
Multiple choices of route markings (customer fitted)
A wealth of separately applied parts to enhance the model further. |
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