Lima L149897

British Rail Class 101 M50304 British Rail Blue

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: M50304

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

  • Operator: British Rail
  • Livery: Blue
  • Era: 6 - British Rail Blue Pre-TOPS

British Rail (1965-1997) transformed Britain's railways through revolutionary modernisation, introducing the iconic double arrow logo, Rail Blue livery, and business sectorisation. BR pioneered high-speed rail with the InterCity 125 and Advanced Passenger Train, electrified major routes, and created profitable divisions like InterCity and Network SouthEast. From steam succession through diesel and electric development to privatisation preparation, British Rail's diverse locomotive fleet, multiple livery schemes, and operational scenarios provide unparalleled variety for railway modellers across all scales and periods.

BR Blue, also known as Rail Blue or Monastral Blue, was introduced in 1965 as part of British Rail's comprehensive corporate identity overhaul that accompanied the rebranding from British Railways to British Rail. The colour was officially defined by British Standards BR28/6001 (airless spray finish) and BR28/5321 (brush finish), representing a dark, greyish blue tone specifically chosen to hide dirt and weathering effects well.

The livery was prototyped on the experimental XP64 train in 1964 before becoming the standard scheme from 1 January 1965. Rail Blue was applied to all diesel and electric locomotives with yellow warning panels (initially small, then extending to full yellow ends from 1966). The standardised application included the iconic double arrow logo and Rail Alphabet typeface, creating one of the most successful transport corporate identities of the 20th century.

The livery dominated British Rail operations for over two decades until sectorisation in the 1980s began fragmenting the unified appearance. Despite initial colour fading problems in early applications, these were resolved by the late 1970s when the Large Logo variant was introduced featuring extended yellow areas and full-height double arrow symbols. Rail Blue's enduring appeal among railway enthusiasts reflects its role as the definitive British Rail image during the organisation's most unified period.