With our first production run of the Class 60 now delivered—and stock levels dwindling fast—we have already turned our attention to Run 2 to satisfy demand for our “Mountain Movers!”.
Following last week’s launch of our latest charity fundraising model, 60074 for Teenage Cancer Trust at Making Tracks, and the limited edition 60040 Territorial Army Centenary with Hornby Magazine, focus now shifts to the first of two all-new “Accurascale Exclusive” models. And what better choice than a livery we designed for the real railway?
Click Here, to see how we worked with DC Rail Freight to develop this striking new livery, and read on to see a detailed history of 60099.
60099 History
1992 proved a turbulent year for the introduction of the Class 60. As the final locomotives were being assembled at Brush Traction, Loughborough, modifications and lessons learned from earlier builds were still being implemented. Their entry into service was far from smooth, with British Rail Trainload Freight pushing a punishing delivery schedule. Late deliveries ultimately led to British Rail lodging a claim for liquidated damages, with the final four locomotives unofficially impounded by Brush until settlement.
60099 was completed in 1992 but not handed over to BR until 15 December that year—almost 12 months late. It entered traffic in Railfreight triple grey with construction sector markings, carrying the name Ben More Assynt.
Initially allocated to Toton TMD in Nottinghamshire, 60099 worked stone trains across the UK. During shadow privatisation it became part of the Mainline fleet, losing its construction markings in favour of the Mainline “wheels” logo. This lasted a decade until replaced by EWS “beasties” logos, which adorned its now-aged triple grey paintwork. Reallocated to Thornaby depot, 60099 hauled a wide variety of freight across northern England.
Its next chapter saw it selected as one of two “test bed” locomotives for DB Schenker’s “Super 60” overhaul programme. While 60011 underwent electrical upgrades, 60099 received mechanical modifications. It was never a full “Super 60”, but the most notable change came when DB Schenker painted it in a bold Tata Steel livery: full silver bodysides with a red lower band. When freshly applied, it looked spectacular. However, by Christmas 2015, 60099 was placed into storage and would not work for DB again.
Fortunes changed in 2022 when DC Rail Freight acquired 60099 as part of a deal for several Class 60s. Hauled by DCR stalwart 60029, it was moved from Toton to UK Rail Leasing’s Leicester site for storage and assessment. Considered one of the better locomotives in the batch, 60099 was called to the UKRL workshops (in the former Brush Traction buildings) in April 2024 for overhaul.
Now, 60099 emerges as the newest member of the Class 60 fleet, wearing a distinctive livery co-developed by Accurascale, DC Rail Freight, and Cappagh. Significantly, it is the first Class 60 to undergo a heavy overhaul away from Toton. UKRL deserves commendation for the outstanding quality of the work—returning another “mountain mover” to the rails.
The Model
Working closely with DCR, Cappagh, and UKRL, we contributed to the final stages of 60099’s return to service. We designed its livery to highlight the locomotive’s historic overhaul away from Toton, blending DC Rail Freight and Cappagh house colours with the classic BR Railfreight livery as devised by Roundel design. This nods to the heritage of the Class 60 while celebrating a new beginning. Complete with distinctive cab ends and a depot plaque, 60099 looks resplendent in its new guise.
As a thank you, DC Rail Freight has granted Accurascale exclusive rights to produce this livery on 60099—a gesture we deeply appreciate.
Soon to depart Loughborough for testing and a return to mainline service, 60099 will make an imposing sight on the real railway, while our model will deliver the same impact on layouts nationwide. Supplied in special presentation packaging, as with all Accurascale Exclusives, this release is set to be something truly special.
Pre-order now via the link below, with no deposit required or through monthly instalments between now and delivery in Q4 2026. Priced from just £169.99, it proves once again that Accurascale offers realistic models at realistic prices—unavailable anywhere else.
