EFE Rail E87050 Plasser 12T YOB Diesel-Hydraulic Crane Balfour Beatty – OO Gauge
Following the success of the Plasser 12 Ton General Purpose Diesel-Hydraulic Crane, produced exclusively for Bachmann’s EFE Rail range, we are delighted to present a further version of this popular model, produced with the kind permission of railway engineering firm Balfour Beatty.
Given the TOPS code ‘YOB’ following their introduction in the mid-1970s, these self-propelled cranes were used countrywide primarily at track relaying work sites; the cranes would be transported to site within engineering trains, but being self-propelled they were able to move around site and even perform light shunting during engineering possessions. Their compact nature allowed the YOBs to be used whilst an adjacent line remained open to traffic, thanks to them having no tail swing when the crane was in operation.
The new EFE Rail model brings this important piece of On Track Plant (OTP) to OO scale for the first time. With extensive detailing to be found throughout the model, the true character of these versatile vehicles is captured resulting in a stunning model suited to any layout set in the 1970s onwards. With a high level of decoration including the many markings and safety warnings seen on the prototype, each model is also supplied with an accessory pack containing a set of bufferbeam parts – these can be fitted if the standard coupling is removed first. Removal of the couplings is simple thanks to the use of NEM coupling pockets, which are attached via close-coupling mechanisms. Being unmotorised, each bogie is fitted with metal wheelsets mounted on pin-point axles, with the wheel tyres decorated accordingly. The crane itself is modelled in the stowed position.
This example, No. DRP81519, operated in this condition from 1999 and has only recently been retired from service, although other YOBs are still used by Balfour Beatty and so DRP81519 could easily be used as a stand in for anyone depicting current day operations.
MODEL FEATURES:
- EFE Rail OO Scale
- Era 9
- Pristine Balfour Beatty Blue & White livery
- Running No. DRP81519
- Accessory Pack
- NEM Coupling Pockets
- Close Coupling Mechanism
- Length 154mm (over couplings)
