The Class 59 is a Co-Co formation diesel locomotive and the first US produced, privately-owned locomotive to operate regularly in the UK. The ordering of the first Class 59 was a result of quarry company Foster Yeomans dissatisfaction with the performance of the BR Class 56. The first 4 locomotives built by GMs Electromotive Division were delivered to Foster Yeoman during 1986 and 59005 in 1989.
Proving very successful; one locomotive setting a new UK haulage record for a single locomotive of 4639 tonnes. Foster Yeomans rivals, Amey Roadstone Corp. (ARC) also ordered four modified Class 59s (59/1) as did National Power, who ordered six (59/2). GM invested in this initial UK success by extensively modifying the class 59 internally to produce the Class 66, also hugely successful, within both the UK and Continental Europe.
Other than 59003 (which after return from loan to HHPI in Germany, is operated by GBRf), the Class 59 fleet is operated today by DB Schenker and Mendip Rail (an ARC and FY joint venture).
Details
1:76 Scale model of a Class 59 Diesel Locomotive decorated in Hanson livery. This model features lots of expertly applied details as based on the prototype, a high level of body detail and excellent running characteristics.
Features
    1:76 Scale Model
    DCC Sound/Smoke Model
    NEM Couplings
    Highly Detailed Finish
    Finely moulded body with many applied fine details
    Printed name plates (Etched plates supplied separately)
    Cast wheels with fine relief and appropriate colouring
    Heavy diecast chassis with all wheel pick up
    Operating, independently controlled headlight and cab lights (all lighting variations tooled) DC & DCC Lighting Capabilities
    DC lighting with independent control of #1 & #2 end lamps (push/pull/light engine) and cab lighting (controlled by switches)
    Push/Pull and light engine modes for head and tail lights
    Day/Night headlamp selection
    Marker lamp control (where applicable)
    Independent cab lighting (leading cab /trailing cab /off)
    Optional diesel exhaust effect (smoke)
    Directional Lighting
Contents
    1 x Dapol Diesel Locomotive