Description
Expected Delivery Q4 2026 (Subject to Change at Manufacturer’s Discretion).
Following the first-run release of 50017—one of the first pair of Class 50s to appear in the original Network SouthEast livery—calls for the later version of the scheme have grown increasingly loud. 50029 Renown was the last of 14 examples to gain the original NSE paint job (in June 1987), which it swapped for the revised darker blue variant in December 1989 at Laira Depot.
Named in October 1978 and refurbished in May 1982, 50029 had no idea what colourful future awaited it after being released from Doncaster in the brash large logo livery. It was one of nine members of the class to receive two versions of the “toothpaste” scheme, while 50017 and 50048 received all three! By its final repaint, the look of the revised NSE scheme had become more consistent, with the BR double arrow replaced by the West of England route branding, in line with the new sector identity.
Withdrawn in March 1992 with a seized power unit, 50029 was one of the last active members of the class, alongside 50046 Ajax and shortly before 50030 Repulse. Both 50029 and 50030 were later sold to Operation Collingwood—a charity aiming to return locomotives to the main line using modern components while training apprentices. Though the charity collapsed in 2002, the newly formed Renown Repulse Restoration Group secured both locomotives and moved them to Peak Rail at Rowsley. While they were quickly cosmetically restored, neither has yet operated in preservation. Once 50030’s rebuild is complete, 50029 will undergo another cosmetic overhaul while the society considers its future.
The Model
Following the success of the first production run, Accurascale is proud to present the second run of its OO gauge Class 50s, driven by sustained customer demand. Improvements have been made based on modeller feedback, including revised packaging and resolution of issues with self-coloured plastic parts—spare parts from the first run remain available free of charge via the Accurascale website.
Specification highlights include:
- Highly detailed OO scale model, 1:76.2 scale
- Minimum radius: 438mm (2nd radius set-track)
- Die-cast metal chassis
- RP25-110 profile wheels, with options for P4/EM re-gauging
- Separate etched/plastic details (grabs, steps, wipers, etc.)
- Etched nameplates and crests (where applicable)
- Interchangeable printed headcodes, including preservation variants
- Detailed underframe with pipework and fittings
- Fully sprung buffers, fine pipework, and screw couplings
- Kinematic NEM couplers and mini-tension-locks
- Working radiator fan with speed control
- DCC Ready (21-pin MTX) or DCC Sound options
- Performance and Electronics:
- Five-pole motor with twin flywheels
- All-wheel drive and pick-up
- PowerPack capacitor for uninterrupted power
- Directional lighting
- Cab lights
- Driver’s desk lights
