The Class 59 is a Co-Co formation diesel locomotive and the first US produced privately-owned locomotive to operate regularly in the UK. The ordering of the first Class 59 was a result of quarry company Foster Yeomans dissatisfaction with the performance of the BR Class 56. The first 4 locomotives built by General Motors Electromotive Division were delivered to Foster Yeoman during 1986 and 59005 in 1989.

Proving very successful; one locomotive set a new UK haulage record for a single locomotive of 4639 tonnes. Foster Yeomans rivals ARC Amey Roadstone Corporation also ordered four modified Class 59s the 59/1 as did National Power who ordered six 59/2s. GM invested in this initial UK success by extensively modifying the Class 59 internally to produce the Class 66 also hugely successful within both the UK and continental Europe. Other than 59003 which after return from loan to HHPI in Germany is operated by GBRf the Class 59 fleet is operated today by DB Schenker and Mendip Rail.

MODEL DETAILS

These models feature lots of details including etched grills directional lighting and finely printed external logos and numbering.

FEATURES

• Finely moulded body with many applied fine details
• Printed name plates (Etched plates supplied separately)
• Cast wheels with fine relief and appropriate colouring
• Heavy diecast chassis with all wheel pick up
• NEM pockets as standard
• Operating independently controlled headlight and cab lights
• Push/Pull and light engine modes for head and taillights
• Day/Night headlamp selection
• Independent cab lighting