Dapol 57xx ex GWR pannier, L92 London Transport livery
Purchased and reviewed by Geoff Goddin
Having to use Peco R2 curves on my space constrained 'Kew Gardens' layout I
am not a little attracted to manufacturers that build the capability to traverse
these into their 7mm models. I can remember these locos running through
West Kensington late at night in the late 1960s on engineering trains after the
'juice' had been turned off, and since I live on the Richmond branch of the
District Line, it is quite likely that their nocturnal wanderings bought them
through my station.
This DCC version of the model cost me £364 from Tower models and includes
a £7 licencing contribution demanded by TfL. Analogue versions can be
obtained under £200.
Unlike the shaped foam packing used with the 08 and Jinty, Dapol have
returned to using the clear plastic packing in a foam lined sturdy box first seen
with the Terrier. This tended to crack and collapse in postal transit, resulting in
lots of warranty claims. I am glad to say that this time several additional hard
foam rectangles support the loco within the clear plastic such that my L92
arrived from Blackpool unscathed.
While mentioning the Dapol Terrier, the level of detail has improved
appreciably from its standard. The cab, accessed by a lift off roof, has lettered
gauges, burnished pipe work, and ironmongery and my crew from Masterpiece
Figures look forward to taking up residence. If you like to view your locos from
underneath, you will find working valve gear and rockers, and the split brake
rodding either side of the rear driver is faithfully reproduced; the fire pan also
stands out from the frames as a brown moulding, which will help with the
‘rustifying’ of this component.
Above the footplate, the fireman's steps on his bunker side are there, and
correctly not on the driver’s side. They are not there on GWR versions, as is not
the whistle shield.
Operationally the loco weighs in at 800 grams, probably a little light
compared to the prototype and scale weights of the Terrier and 08, I work on
roughly a kilo = 50 tons… which certainly doesn't work for Heljan diesels. L92
will easily pull three Dapol GW Collett coaches or 15-plus wagons, rather more
than necessary on my small layout. The R2 curves no doubt cause a fair amount
of friction drag, so six foot radius curves will appreciably improve on these
haulage figures.
Reviews of small RTR locos usually criticise too soft coupling and buffer
springs, I have retro-toughened the coupling springs on my Terriers, and Jinty,
but was pleased to find this was not necessary, they are akin to those on the
Lionheart RTR locos, that is, perfect. Richard Webster told me that for this loco
he had directed Dapol to use his Chinese supplier, he also pointed out the LT
tripcocks and the eggshell blue cab livery, the GW and BR versions make do
with the plastic colour, green or black.
The sound file comes from the prototype L92 working on the South Devon
Railway. There is a 31mm speaker under the model’s chimney so there is little
to add regarding realism. I gave CV267 a value of 95 to get the chuffs
synchronised. You can set up 'Realdrive' which also appeared on the Dapol Jinty,
by which F7 applies the brakes, otherwise L92 coasts onwards through the
station…or into the buffer stops!
Given the prices above are hardly greater than those charged for the Terrier and Jinty, yet there are more features, better detail and more interactive DCC, and also since the pound sterling has tanked, the value for money is remarkable.