Lima L149895

British Rail Class 101 M50312 British Railways Green

Contents

Tooling

In 1997, Lima released its OO gauge tooling of the British Rail Class 101 "Met-Cam" DMU—officially marketed as the "Lima OO Class 101 'Met-Cam'." This tooling represented a significant update from earlier Lima and Hornby Class 101 models, offering enhanced scale fidelity and refined mechanicals aimed at capturing the distinctive Metro-Cammell-built 101 units of the late-1950s.

The Lima Class 101 tooling received positive attention from retailers and enthusiasts alike. Hattons noted its improved detailing and body proportions, though the pancake motor was considered dated. Modellers frequently praised the flush-like glazing and accurate roofline, often upgrading interiors, adding lighting, and fitting DCC decoders. Popular YouTube channels, such as "Trash to Track," showcase conversions involving motor replacements and digital enhancements, while RMweb and EM Gauge forums document extensive modifications to create lightweight variants and improve running quality. Comparisons with later Bachmann and Hornby releases often highlight Lima's superior body shape, making it a favoured choice for collectors and modders despite its mechanical limitations.

Lima's Italian production managed to deliver high-quality printing and detailing at a competitive price, though the mechanisms were often seen as dated. This tooling sits at the sweet spot of appearance and performance after modest upgrade. The flexibility of the tooling allowed numerous limited editions and regional variations. Entire three-car sets and individual non-powered centre cars (TCL) were made available. Dedicated modders have taken this base tooling and created accurate "Met-Cam Lightweight" conversions—altering marker lights, vent placement, guard doors, and underbody fairings to reflect the rare early lightweight batches built by Metro-Cammell. Collector interest has persisted through second-hand markets, with examples appearing on Reddit, eBay, and enthusiast platforms; typical aftermarket pricing hovers around mid-£70 to £90 depending on livery and condition.

Detailing: Crisp body details, including correctly positioned rainstrips, battery boxes, engine pipes, and fuel tanks—recognized as one of Lima's strongest efforts in body proportions. Well-defined cab interiors, glazing, underframe features, and fine etched sections. Early tooling featured Lima's high-quality window mouldings, often praised by modellers for near flush appearance.

Although described as "DCC compatible," the 1997 tooling included no factory DCC socket. Modellers routinely retrofit decoders—often accompanied by additional wiring, pickups, and capacitors—to achieve smooth digital operation. In 2008 Lima released a DCC-ready version with an 8-pin socket, offering a more convenient alternative.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: M50312

The British Rail Class 101 was Metro-Cammell's most successful first-generation DMU, with over 700 vehicles built 1956-1959 serving across Britain for 47 years until 2003. Powered by twin 150hp BUT AEC or Leyland diesel engines, these distinctive units operated from Tyneside to Scottish Highlands, dominating Birmingham's Cross-City Line for 35 years. Comprehensive 1970s-1980s refurbishment programmes extended their operational lives dramatically. The type carried every major BR livery including green, blue, blue/grey, white/blue, Strathclyde orange, and Network SouthEast schemes. With 41 vehicles preserved and comprehensive model availability from Bachmann (OO), Graham Farish (N gauge), and Hornby, the Class 101 remains essential for depicting authentic British branch line and suburban operations from the late 1950s through early 2000s.

Operator & Livery

British Railways transformed Britain's fragmented rail network into a unified national system following nationalisation on 1st January 1948. Created from the "Big Four" companies under the Transport Act 1947, BR operated most of Great Britain's railways until rebranding as British Rail in 1965, managing over 20,000 route miles and inheriting nearly 20,000 locomotives of diverse designs.

The organisation pioneered standardisation through its revolutionary BR Standard locomotive programme (1951-1960), producing 999 advanced steam engines under Robert Riddles' direction. These included the versatile Britannia Pacifics, mighty 9F freight engines, and mixed-traffic classes that incorporated the best features from all predecessor companies. The 1955 Modernisation Plan accelerated diesel and electric traction development, creating fascinating mixed-traction operations.

Notable achievements included establishing unified locomotive classification systems, introducing distinctive corporate liveries, and managing the complex transition from steam to modern traction. BR's six regional structure preserved operational diversity whilst enabling standardisation of practices, signalling, and rolling stock that had eluded private enterprise for over a century.

The BR era represents steam traction's final flowering alongside emerging diesel technology, creating unparalleled locomotive variety. Today, this heritage remains highly popular with railway enthusiasts through extensive preserved fleets, heritage railway operations, and comprehensive model ranges from manufacturers like Hornby, Bachmann, and Dapol, making BR subjects essential for authentic post-war British railway modelling across all scales.