The British Rail Class 33 diesel-electric locomotives, commonly known as the “Crompton” class, were ordered in 1957 and built between 1960 and 1962 by the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company for the Southern Region of British Railways. A total of 98 locomotives were produced, numbered D6500–D6597, later renumbered 33001–33098 under the TOPS system. They were powered by a Sulzer 8LDA28 engine producing 1,550 horsepower, with electrical equipment supplied by Crompton Parkinson, which gave rise to their nickname. Designed as Type 3 mixed-traffic locomotives, they were developed to handle both passenger and freight duties across non-electrified routes in the south of England.
Throughout their working lives, Class 33s proved highly versatile, operating on a wide range of services including passenger trains, freight workings and engineering duties. The class remained in regular service until the late 1980s and early 1990s, with several locomotives continuing in departmental and private ownership. Many examples have since been preserved on heritage railways, highlighting their reliability and long service life.
Coming Soon
Following the release of the Analogue versions of the models, we are pleased to announce that the DCC-Fitted version will be hot on their heels, arriving within the next couple of weeks.
These models, manufactured for the Gaugemaster Collection by Dapol, have arrived in stock alongside other variations in the Dapol range. If the above models haven't captured your interest, check out the Dapol releases now.
You can view the full Gaugemaster Collection range on our website through the button below.