Peak arrivals for 'N'
The exciting first batch of 1-Co-Co-1 locomotives from Rapido Trains depicting the Derby-built diesel-electrics D1-D10 dubbed 'Peaks' (and later Class 44) is in stock. As pre-orders are fulfilled, our remaining stocks are now all that's left. We strongly advise securing yours now before they're gone. At such attractive prices, they're much-loved by us!
The British Rail Class 44, nicknamed "Peaks," was a class of ten diesel-electric locomotives built between 1959 and 1960 by British Railways at Derby Works. Powered by a Sulzer 12LDA28 engine, they produced 2,300 hp and were primarily designed for express passenger and heavy freight services. The class was named after British mountains, giving rise to the "Peak" nickname later extended to similar Classes 45 and 46.
Initially allocated to the Midland region, they saw widespread service until their withdrawal in the early 1980s. Despite limited production, the Class 44 played a key role in the early dieselisation of British Rail.
Looking back at the Class 44s
D1 'Scafell Pike' at Stafford on the WCML working a passenger train, April 14, 1960. Ben Brooksbank
44001 'Scafell Pike' on a southbound freight train at Forest Road, north of Leicester station on February 22, 1975.
D5 'Cross Fell' at Long Eaton with a train of 16T mineral wagons, May 1962.
44006 'Whernside' with a brake tender and train of empty coal wagons heads north on the Midland Main Line at Allsop's Lane crossing, south of Loughborough, July 9, 1975.
With its careful attention to detail, accurate body shape, and authentic liveries, these new Class 44 'Peaks' from Rapido Trains are capture the character of these pioneering diesels. With many separately-fitted parts, and a smooth powerful running performance, your mixed-traffic services are in safe hands.
Whether you model the early diesel era or simply appreciate a pioneer of British Railway's Modernisation Plan, these new models deliver historical significance, and quality. Grab yours while you can!
