Revolution Trains is offering the Hunslet 0-6-0 diesel hydraulic (DH) shunter in OO gauge.
CAD is virtually complete and incorporates numerous options to allow for both 50T and 55T locomotives to be depicted with variations including engine room air breathers, handrails, footstep equipment boxes and sandbox fillers. The ‘flameproof’ versions used in refineries can also be produced.
Between 1965 and 1989 well over 50 0-6-0DH shunters were built by Hunslet for the British market. More were also built to a variety of gauges for users abroad in south America, Africa, Europe and the Indian subcontinent.
The Hunslet 0-6-0DHs were surprisingly powerful for their size, and their short wheelbase enabled them to operate in locations where other locomotives may struggle.
Model features
All models feature a heavy die-cast chassis block for reliable running, and a high reduction gear train to ensure smooth and realistic slow speed running.
The locomotives will all have working head and tail lights and an illuminated cab interior, and where prototypically correct a flashing roof beacon.
A 21-pin MTC decoder socket is included with factory-fitted speaker, so upgrading to sound is simple. The decoder is accessed by simply unscrewing the body and lifting it clear of the chassis.
DCC sound models will also incorporate a stay-alive power pack, and this will be designed as a simple plug-and-play uprgrade for DCC Silent users.
The line up
Initially Revolution is offering four versions, with prototypically accurate detail variations intended to cover a wide variety of eras and locations.
HE6614 – NCB green
This locomotive was built in 1965. The National Coal Board was the largest user of the type, and this locomotive was given the internal number 503 and assigned to the North Eastern Area.
Locos in this version of the NCB livery saw service at collieries across the north and Midlands, often working alongside earlier steam locomotives.
Spotting points include the small sandboxes, dome breather on the right side of the long bonnet, as well as early pattern handrails. This loco has no roof beacon.
HE7017 – HNRC
Built in 1971 and originally used at Whitehaven harbour the locomotive was later acquired by Harry Needle Railroad Company, given the number 29 and used in a variety of locations for spot hire work, and it is offered in this later condition.
As a shunter-for-hire it’s been used at locations including Flixborough Wharf and Long Marston. This locomotive features more substantial handrails, dome breather mounted on the bonnet top and a flashing beacon, along with an equipment box on the right side.
Photo of 7017 at Long Marston courtesy Martyn Sanders.
HE7543 British Steel
This locomotive has seen widespread use – first at British Steel Workington, numbered 403, then it moved on to Shap quarry where it currently resides, though no longer in regular use.
The spotting points for this version are the oval buffers with strengthened shanks and conical breather.
Photo of Hunslet line up courtesy John Carter.
HE8999 Esso
This locotive is one of the last-built of this design, entering service in 1981 and operating variously at Fawley and Grangemouth before being sold. It is now in residence at the Chasewater railway at Brownhills in Staffordshire.
This locomotive is to the ‘flameproof’ design for refineries and features enclosed side cabinet and fire suppresant equipment. It has an extended exhaust (to be added to the CAD) and no roof beacon.
The CAD for this models is complete, barring some very minor adjustments, and we are hoping to receive first samples during the summer.
Industrial inspirations
The first four locomotives offered by Revolution have been selected to showcase a variety of liveries, details and uses but they can only scratch the surface of the wide range of locations served and liveries worn by these popular and long-lived locomotives.
From left: 8979 ‘Black Agnes’ at Dunbar. Photo davyc2008 – 7017 at Whitehaven 1982 – 6663 & 7018 Bersham 1986.
If you are interested in seeing more we heartily recommend the Flickr gallery of photographer Gordon Edgar. Here are a selection of his images.
You can find his full image directory here:
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