British 1:87 Scale Modelling - Class 33 diesel locomotive

Class 33 Crompton Bo-Bo diesel electric

CL33 (Lima #1646M) modified by David Armitage

Prototype

Purpose

Mixed traffic

Operating company/organisation

BR

Years of operation

1960 to present

Model

Manufacturer

Lima

Model/catalogue/item number

1646M (BR green)
8049M (BR blue)
8049CL (BR blue with working lights)
8015M (Irish Railways colours)

Construction

Ready to run plastic and metal model.

Motive power replacement

For the Lima body as supplied
The Lima body is slightly too wide, but if you are able to accept this, the pre-Genesis Athearn F7A chassis is a snug fit. Also just right for the unslimmed body is the chassis from the revived Krupps V160 from Mehano.

For slimmed bodies (see here)
The FA2 (or FB2) chassis from the Life-Like Proto 2000 range has the correct 101.6 mm bogie centres, and bogies with wheelbases that are just 1 mm short. To fit the Proto 2000 chassis correctly, you should narrow the inside measurement of the loco body shell from 33 mm to 29 mm. Modification and/or removal of the cooling fan drive chain and battery box section will also be necessary.

Check current availability of the Athearn and Life-Like chassis with Model Junction.

Check current availability of the Mehano Krupps V160 with your local retailer (in the UK, any Bachmann dealer).

Reviews

An article describing how to narrow and detail the model was published in the November 1983 edition of Scale Trains. See here.

Availability

Produced from 1976 to c.1980.

Suppliers

See Buying second-hand.

Notes

The earliest HO releases had continental loop-type couplers. Later HO versions were released with UK tension-lock couplers. Eventually, an entirely new Class 33 model was released in 00.

The model in Irish Railways colours has extra roof detail and is meant to represent an (A) 001 class locomotive. Donal Murray has enhanced his to create a more accurate representation: photo.

Images of the original models

Lima Birmingham RCW type 3 (BR Class 33) as D6524 in BR green

British 1:87 Scale Modelling

Class 33 Crompton Bo-Bo diesel electric

Prototype
Purpose	Mixed traffic
Operating company/organisation	BR
Years of operation	1960 to present
Model
Manufacturer	Lima
Model/catalogue/item number	1646M (BR green) 8049M (BR blue) 8049CL (BR blue with working lights) 8015M (Irish Railways colours)
Construction	Ready to run plastic and metal model.
Motive power replacement	For the Lima body as supplied The Lima body is slightly too wide, but if you are able to accept this, the pre-Genesis Athearn F7A chassis is a snug fit. Also just right for the unslimmed body is the chassis from the revived Krupps V160 from Mehano. For slimmed bodies (see here) The FA2 (or FB2) chassis from the Life-Like Proto 2000 range has the correct 101.6 mm bogie centres, and bogies with wheelbases that are just 1 mm short. To fit the Proto 2000 chassis correctly, you should narrow the inside measurement of the loco body shell from 33 mm to 29 mm. Modification and/or removal of the cooling fan drive chain and battery box section will also be necessary. Check current availability of the Athearn and Life-Like chassis with Model Junction. Check current availability of the Mehano Krupps V160 with your local retailer (in the UK, any Bachmann dealer).
Reviews	An article describing how to narrow and detail the model was published in the November 1983 edition of Scale Trains. See here.
Availability	Produced from 1976 to c.1980.
Suppliers	See Buying second-hand.
Notes	The earliest HO releases had continental loop-type couplers. Later HO versions were released with UK tension-lock couplers. Eventually, an entirely new Class 33 model was released in 00. The model in Irish Railways colours has extra roof detail and is meant to represent an (A) 001 class locomotive. Donal Murray has enhanced his to create a more accurate representation: photo.
Images of the original models