Dapol 517 Class

The prototype 517 Class were compact 0-4-2T steam locomotives used on local passenger services. Dapol says many of the originals later had their wheelbases lengthened, and from 1904 several were converted for auto-train working. Under Charles Collett, some were rebuilt with widened tanks and a new cab/bunker arrangement, creating the later “Swindon rebuild” appearance. The last member of the class, No. 1159, was withdrawn in August 1947, and none survived into preservation.

For the model itself, Dapol states it is producing the later modified chassis / longer-wheelbase version, with open cab, closed cab, and later Collett cab variants. Listed model features include a diecast chassis/running plate/wheels/boiler/firebox, fully compensated chassis, detailed cab interiors, removable cab roof on enclosed versions, multiple chimney types, separately fitted detail parts, and printed plus etched number plates.

The technical spec on Dapol’s page also includes a slide-in PCB for tool-free NEXT-18 decoder installation, no-solder speaker connection, firebox glow on factory-fitted sound versions, a coreless motor, all-wheel pickup, and availability as DCC Ready, DCC Fitted, and DCC Sound versions.