My interpretation of D1200 Falcon.

GBRf release 69012 as “Falcon” in two tone green with a replication of her later 1968 livery as allocated to Bristol Bath Road.

The original “Falcon” D1200 arguably the most successful and last of the BR prototype diesels locomotives was 2880hp with two V12 Maybach MD655. Built by Brush Loughborough 1961 and used on the Eastern and then Western Region of BR. The loco was so successful it was purchased by BR in 1970, overhauled at Swindon, air braked as class 53 and ran until late 1975 when it was withdrawn and scrapped in 1976. With advances in engine technology in 1962 Brush also developed the class 47 with a single Sulzer 2750hp and that got the orders for 512 locomotives and Falcon remained the only example. It proved a very good demonstrator against the class 52 Westerns with similar engines but Hydraulic Transmission. It was a fantastic performer and put in some excellent runs on it’s regular Paddington - Bristol runs.

I has replaced the Brush makers plates with Bristol Bath Road Shed plates and tried as much as possible to replicate the original two tone green livery complete with “Falcon 2” name and motif.

GBRf are grateful to Arlington Fleet Services who's paint team have done a fantastic job in finishing this locomotive for us.

On 12th July 2024 we collected 69012 from Eastleigh to Tonbridge West Yard.

Hope you like it. Copyright and all rights reserved Bob Tiller 12th July 2024.