At TMC, we pride ourselves on getting the best gear into your hands as fast as possible. There's been plenty of 'buzz' across the hobby about the arrival of Hornby's Dublo DP1 ‘Deltic’, and we’re thrilled to announce that our stock has officially arrived.

We are among the very first to have these pioneering locomotives ready to ship. If you’ve been waiting to add this baby-blue icon to your collection, the wait is over—but you’ll want to move fast, as it’s first-come, first-served!

From the high seas to the high speed rails

The story of DP1 (Diesel Prototype 1) is one of the most fascinating in British railway history. Long before it was hauling express trains on the East Coast Main Line, its heart was designed for a completely different environment: the English Channel.

In the early 1950s, Napier developed the ‘Deltic’ engine for the Royal Navy’s ‘Dark’ class fast patrol boats. The engine’s unique triangular (opposed-piston) design allowed for an incredible power-to-weight ratio. English Electric saw the potential for this compact powerhouse and built the DP1 prototype in 1955 at its Preston works.

With two 18-cylinder engines producing a combined 3,300 horsepower, DP1 became the most powerful single-unit diesel locomotive in the world at the time. Its striking "baby blue" and cream livery, complete with the famous Deltic name on the sides, made it an instant celebrity on the tracks.

A short but impactful career

DP1 was a hard-working testbed. It spent years proving that high-speed diesel traction was the future, often outperforming the steam giants of the era.

Its frontline career came to a sudden halt in 1960 following a severe engine failure. While it was officially retired in 1961, its legacy was already secure. DP1 paved the way for the production Class 55 'Deltics' that would dominate the rails for decades. Today, the original prototype is a star of the Science Museum Group’s collection, preserved for future generations at Shildon.

Hornby's Dublo model: a die-cast masterpiece

Hornby has truly pulled out all the stops for this release. This isn't just a standard locomotive; it’s part of the premium Hornby Dublo range, meaning it’s built with a heavy die-cast metal body and chassis for incredible pulling power and presence.

Key features of the model:

  • Realistic Weight: At over 700g, it has the "heft" of a professional-grade model
  • Advanced Drive: A coreless motor with twin flywheels and drive to both bogies ensures silky-smooth running
  • Digital Ready: Features a 21-pin DCC socket for easy upgrading
  • Lighting Effects: Includes directional head/tail lights, a working ‘Mars’ light, cab lighting, and even engine bay illumination!
  • Exquisite detail: From the etched window frames to the hand-painted driver figures, every inch of the DP1 has been meticulously recreated based on 3D scans of the real locomotive.

Get yours today

Whether you’re a history buff or just want one of the most iconic diesels ever made on your layout, the Hornby Dublo DP1 is a must-have.

R30297 Hornby OO Gauge (DC/Analogue): £314.98 (RRP £349.99)

R30297TXS Hornby OO Gauge (Sound Fitted): £364.49 (RRP £404.99)