Dapol have received an early Christmas present with the arrival of their first decorated samples of the N gauge B17 4-6-0s.

Due for release in Autumn 2026, the B17s were first built in 1928 and totalled 73 locomotives. The class saw many modifications in their careers and were also classified to reflect such changes.

Some of the classes were named after places, stately homes, and some also carried names from top division football teams of the time, which gave them the nickname ‘Footballers’ by some train spotters.

Members of the class were largely confined to Great Eastern metals running express passenger trains from London Liverpool Street, while some did later operate from King’s Cross.

The locomotives were all withdrawn by the mid-1960s and were scrapped. Happily, steps are being taken to bring back this lost class from extinction, as new build B17 ‘Spirit of Sandringham’ is currently under construction.

Dapol have five different models on offer in a range of liveries that the original class carried in service days, from LNER Green to BR Green.

Each model will feature cast wheels with an all-wheel pick up and finely detailed motion, tender-driven system with super creep motor, accurately detailed body moulds for locomotive and tender, nameplates, a 6-pin decoder socket and an accessory bag with extra details to add.

Prices range from £151.20 for a single DCC-ready model to £297.20 for the Easterling Train pack featuring a DCC-fitted locomotive with 4 coaches. Models can be pre-ordered on Dapols’ website.