First look: Dapol Class 323 for 'OO'
Dapol reports that its Class 323 project for 'OO' has reached the end of its initial tooling phase. The manufacturer has revealed the arrival of a functioning EP sample and has shared imagery while its design team evaluates its running characteristics and aesthetics.
The manufacturer reports, "It is early days, and there are a few things to iron out but it is generally looking really good at the moment."
Dapol's sound team has recorded a Class 323 with the help of the Branch Line Society & West Midlands Railways for DCC sound-fitted models.
We're able to bring you shared imagery of the rendered CAD drawings too, allowing you to evaluate how the finished models will appear...
Pre-order your OO gauge Class 323 model fleet here.
Back story
The British Rail Class 323 electric multiple units (EMUs) were built by Hunslet Transportation Projects and Holec for passenger transportation. All 43 units were built from 1992 through to 1995 for British Rail’s Provincial Sector.
Entering service in 1994, the 323s were among the last trains to enter service with British Rail before its privatisation in the mid-1990s. The units were designed to operate on inner-suburban commuter lines in and around Birmingham and Manchester with swift acceleration.
From 2018, the units received new, accessible toilets and upgrades to their internal Passenger Information Display Systems.
The units are known for the distinctive sounds that can be heard during acceleration or deceleration and Dapol is seeking to recreate these traction electronic noises in miniature for DCC sound-fitted models.
Car 1 & 3 Cab units
Car 2 centre coach with posable pantograph
Early version
Late version
Differences in detail
The early version has a destination board in the middle of the centre car. The later version has this plated over and also has some of its windows plated over.
Early Versions of the locomotive feature WIPAC lighting (left). The later version (right) has modern group standard LED twin lamp light clusters. Pre-order yours, here.
Model will come with a detailed Bracknell Wills HS-A pantograph. This can be posed in the down/stowed position or extended by the modeller to its deployed position for running sessions.
Each car is connected to its neighboring unit with an electrical interconnection. Jumper cables locate prototypically into recesses in the leading and training units, too.
Secure yours
Get in on the action and secure your model Class 323 fleet here.
