Rapido Trains UK 948707 Class 46 97403 Ixion RTC Blue/Red With Sealed Beam Headlights Diesel Locomotive - DCC Sound

With the success of the first Type 4 diesels, Derby Works began the development of the next generation of even more powerful locomotives, the Class 45 and Class 46. These would go on to form the bulk of the Midland mainline fleet for many years. Despite the 45s and 46s not being named after mountains as their Class 44 counterparts had been, many were honoured with the names of famed British Army Regiments, however they still retained the nickname ‘Peaks’.

The first BR Class 45 entered service in late 1960, with the class soon becoming the main loco to work out of St Pancras on the Midland mainline services, demoting the dwindling number of steam locos to cover local services or freight. The final variant of the ‘Peak’ began production in 1961, now with Brush Electrical Equipment fitted after re-tendering for the next batch of locomotives. This tweaked ‘Peak’ would be known as the BR Class 46.The 46s were used for varied work, being seen on NE-SW cross-country services, long distance freights from the West Country and some Trans-Pennine services.

With Class 45s and 46s often being seen working trains to destinations across the South West and alongside the trainspotting location of Dawlish, it’s no wonder the loco has a soft spot in many diesel enthusiasts’ hearts.

Rapido's new models will feature a variety of detail differences seen across the locomotives’ working life to allow us to produce the definitive N Gauge Peak. The specification includes:

• Directional Lighting
• Next18 Decoder Socket
• High-quality motor and drive mechanism for smooth running
• DCC Sound option
• NEM Coupler pockets
• Separately-fitted wipers
• Etched radiator fan grill