Class 52 Western 5" gauge Ready-To-Run (Co-Co)

Class 52 Western 5" gauge Ready-To-Run (Co-Co)  

 

Built here at MRW, this is a powerful locomotive with four 24V 1/3HP motors run from two large lead acid batteries. Four of the six axles are driven; hence the Class 52 in 5” gauge has eight of its wheels powered. Simply add batteries and enjoy a loco which looks great and works perfectly. The model has been sold into many countries and has proved to be a robust and reliable performer equally at home on the club track or garden railway.

 

The western region as part of the modernisation plan unveiled by British Railways in 1955 pursued the development of multiple locomotive designs unique to the western region. The vast majority of locomotives developed for the western region were diesel hydraulic as the perceived wisdom from Swindon was that this transmission type would be lighter and allow for the locomotives to accelerate quicker than the diesel electric equivalents. The theory was good, but in practice BR’s haste in introducing diesel traction meant many designs were pressed forward into manufacture and service without extensive testing therefore the Westerns were always underpowered compared to the diesel electric counterparts. 

 

The locomotives were designed to be a type 4 diesel to pull the “top link” fast passenger services. The “Westerns” only ran regularly in the Western region of British railways between 1961 and 1977, which was a remarkably short operational period of just 16 years but their unique proportions and distinctive experimental colour schemes meant they quickly became fan favourites and seven of the original 74 locomotives were preserved. 

 

The 52’s locos continued a GWR tradition of castles and hall steam locos as each loco was named such as Western Campaigner, Western Ranger, Western Champion and Western Fusilier, to name a few.

 

The bogies are the same basic design as fitted to our Titan 5 Loco and feature the same power as the Class 24 and Class 50 locos. Laser cut steel detailing is applied to capture the character and look of the Class 52 bogie.

 

Please note we do not currently offer a 7 1/4” version of this loco.

 

Select all options to check the price of loco.

 

Options:

• Ready to run loco - £4,900

• Sound system - £430.00

• Marker lights - £80

Buffer beam detailing kits fitted (front only) - £ 140.00

 

Name plates (POA)

Ready to run loco with all paint and electronics completed ready to run on your home track or club. The Class 52 is a Co-Co bogie loco which can fit inside a large car and is powerful, meaning it is perfect for a day out at the local club.

The locomotive has been proven to be able to pull 12 adults or more with ease (this is subject to gradient and rail head conditions).

The locomotive has been proven to be able to pull 12 adults or more with ease (this is subject to gradient and rail head conditions).

• Length : 1834mm 

• Width : 243mm 

• Height: 353mm 

• Weight (estimated) : 40kg

• Sprung buffers fitted as standard

• Bogie decorative spring detail fitted as standard

• Body structure - Fibreglass (GRP) moulding

• Grilles - Etched nickel

• Details - Etched nickel detailing includes grilles and roof detailing, window frames, doors and handrails.

Material: Mild steel frames with EN8 wheels and axles and sprung buffers. The body is fibreglass (GRP) moulding which is high detail, but also relatively hardwearing and proven to be long lasting. The windows are acrylic with etched nickel frames and even etched nickel fan cover. In the unlikely event of severe damage, the body is totally replaceable and also easily removed from the chassis for maintenance.

 

Finish: Painted body work, black powder coated frames, painted metal wheels and mechanism. Available in a colour finish of your own choice. For custom nameplates and details please contact us for a quote. 

 

Please note these locos are built to order and the locomotive will be 16-24 weeks before dispatch depending on current orders. We can not guarantee lead times due to the changing demands of our customers hence please contact us to confirm lead times.

We reserve the right to change this specification at any time as part of the ongoing programme of model development.

 

Kit options

To buy as a kit please contact us directly to discuss your requirements. For an unpainted kit which you assemble yourself this is £300 less form the RtR list price.

 

We care about the details

The windows are glazed with plastic to give a realistic appearance with the window frames to mimic the real thing. We also offer an optional sound system, LED marker lights and buffer beam detailing kits (front only.)  We can offer scale name plates of an historic locomotive or can also supply custom name plates to your specifications.

 

Coupling options

As standard the locos are built with traditional sprung buffers and “hook & chain.” If required a multi height slot narrow gauge coupling can be fitted the rear

Sound systems

MTroniks sound systems can be fitted to the loco to give a realistic aspect to the locomotive's operation to mimic the start up sounds of an engine and respond to the input from the controller.

 

Electronics and controls

The loco are fitted with two tone car horns which give a clear audible warning to anyone within 20m+ of the loco to warn of approach. The loco runs on 24V requiring two 12V batteries housed inside the locomotive when running. (Note batteries are not included)

The locomotive is controlled from a handset which is ergonomically designed to ensure comfortable daily use. The locomotive utilises a dead man's feature so that it will stop if the controller is separated from the driver. The locomotive can be fitted with either a 4QD controller or Mtroniks. If you have a preference over which controller is used in your loco, please tell us at the time of your order. 

For more info on 4QD controllers or MTroniks please consult their respective websites. www.mtroniks.net www.4qd.co.uk

 

Details about the design and manufacture

The generous spring allowance gives a comfortable ride and allows the wheels to absorb undulations in the track whilst remaining firmly on the rails. The wheel sets are CNC machined in the UK then pressed and locktighted to the axle. The laser cut frames are powder coated whilst the mechanism is bare metal.