The Class 59s were true pioneers for the British rail network as the first of a new-breed of locomotive designed and built in North America. Based on EMD's SD40-2 but adapted to the British loading gauge the 59s ushered in a new era of locomotive design when they arrived in 1986

Specific version details:

Revised handrails and door handles; revised lashing loops on the solebars; drop head knuckle couplers; change to the cooling pipes and fire extinguisher arrangements (bright red extinguisher bottles as part of the solebar)

Model features and specifications:

• Next generation heavy, diecast chassis with smooth running, low friction and low geared design (weight 105g+)
• Highly detailed injection moulded body with photo-etched and wire details and separate plastic parts
• Lift off, easy-access central body section (as per the prototype!) to allow access to the decoder socket and switches
• Prototype body detail variations eg headlight differences, NRN pod locations, cab handrail recesses, cab door handles, roof hatches, exhausts, and accurate chassis variation including variations in cooler pipes, lashing loops and fire extinguishers
• Separate (not solid) angled struts connecting body to chassis to allow distinctive see-through appearance of prototype
• Buffer beam detailing: one end super-detailed with solid air dam, air pipes and cosmetic coupler all fitted. Alternative solid air dam supplied for coupler end, and open air dam for those wishing to couple at both ends
• Working accurate headlights including working marker lights. Lights switchable using easy to access microswitches or with DCC
• New Next 28 (ESU E24) decoder socket
• Fine wheels to NMRA RP25 standards
• Body-mounted, kinematic close couplers with NEM coupler sockets