Decorated samples arrive for RoS exclusive Class 88

This first sample showcases 88010 'Aurora' in the DRS 'Refrigerated Rail... Cool Move' livery.

The all-new range is currently due for release in Q3 2024, with four variations available to pre-order now. Prices start from £199, with DCC-Fitted and working pantograph versions available.

Product Features

• Finely moulded body with many separately fitted details
• Printed nameplates with etched plates supplied separately - where appropriate
• Sprung buffers
• Heavy Diecast chassis and all wheel pick up and all-wheel drive
• Smooth 5-pole motor with twin flywheels
• Cast wheels with fine relief and appropriate colouring 
• NEM coupling pockets as standard 
• Latest Plux22 decoder socket
• Comprehensive lighting package with white marker/headlights, red tail lights, Halo lights (DCC only), Cab lights
• Lighting independently controllable in DCC and switchable in DC
• Servo-controlled pantograph (DCC only) (Pantograph posable in DC)
• Factory DCC fitted options
• Sound-fitted option using authentic sounds obtained with cooperation from DRS
• Both electric and diesel sounds, switchable by function key

About the prototype

The British Rail Class 88 is a type of mainline mixed traffic electro-diesel locomotive manufactured by Stadler Rail for Direct Rail Services (DRS) in the United Kingdom. The locomotive is part of the Stadler Euro Dual family.

It is the first dual-mode locomotive in the UK to use the 25 kV AC electrification. Amid the fulfillment of DRS' order for the Class 68, Stadler's team proposed the development of a dual-mode locomotive that could be alternatively powered by an onboard diesel engine or via electricity supplied from overhead lines (OHLE). Having been impressed by the concept, DRS opted to place an order for ten Class 88s during September 2013. 

Having been developed alongside the Class 68, considerable similarities are shared between the two locomotives, amounting to roughly 70 percent of all components being shared. Primarily, the type has been used by DRS to haul freight using electric locomotives without the need to hire in electric traction from other operators. As with the Class 68, they are also capable of operating passenger trains. Even prior to the type entering service, it was decided that the first duty of DRS' Class 88 fleet would be the contracted services between Daventry and Mossend on behalf of the supermarket chain Tesco.

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