The Westerns were powered by two Maybach MD655 V12 diesels - 24 pots gave them a distinctive sound. Transmission was via two hydraulic Voith-North British units with each bogie carrying three torque converters. This gave them the highest tractive effort of all BR diesels of the time.
This model is painted in maroon livery with small yellow warning panels, applicable to D1009-34 and D1043-73 as built. Most of the class were repainted into this livery before BR blue was introduced in 1966.
Name and number plates are printed at 94% of scale size, so fitting etched brass plates to choice is easily carried out.