Bachmann 35-432SFX

Class & Prototype

The BR Class 47 or Brush Type 4 was Britain's most numerous mainline diesel locomotive, with 512 examples built between 1962-1968 by Brush Traction and BR Crewe Works. Powered by the reliable Sulzer 12LDA28C engine producing 2,580hp, these versatile Co-Co locomotives became the backbone of British Railways' mixed-traffic operations, equally capable of hauling InterCity expresses or heavy freight trains. Their distinctive angular bodywork and universal route availability made them ubiquitous across the entire BR network for over five decades. The class pioneered the TOPS sub-classification system with variants including 47/0 (steam heating), 47/3 (no heating), and 47/4 (electric heating). Despite modernisation, 76 locomotives still exist today with 32 preserved, while their success led to 33 being rebuilt as Class 57s. The Class 47 represents the ultimate achievement of pragmatic British diesel engineering - proving that reliability and versatility often triumph over complexity.

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

Direct Rail Services (DRS) is Britain's premier nuclear transport and commercial rail freight operator, established in 1995 by British Nuclear Fuels Limited to handle the safe movement of nuclear materials. Now owned by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority through Nuclear Transport Solutions, DRS has evolved into one of the UK's leading freight companies whilst maintaining its core nuclear transport mission.

Operating from major depots at Carlisle Kingmoor, Crewe Gresty Bridge, and Motherwell, DRS runs a modern fleet including cutting-edge Class 68 diesels and revolutionary Class 88 bi-mode locomotives alongside heritage Class 37s and specialist Class 20/3s. The company's distinctive blue and grey livery has become synonymous with operational excellence and technical innovation.

DRS's commercial success centres on its partnership with Tesco, operating ten dedicated rail routes carrying over 12,000 containers monthly, whilst infrastructure support services include rail head treatment, snow clearance, and rescue locomotive provision. The company's commitment to environmental leadership delivers 76% fewer CO2 emissions compared to road transport, with Class 88 locomotives achieving additional efficiency gains through dual-mode electric/diesel operation.

Key Facts:

• Founded: 1995 (30 years of operation)
• Owner: Nuclear Decommissioning Authority via Nuclear Transport Solutions
• Headquarters: Carlisle Kingmoor Depot
• Fleet: Class 20/3, 37, 66/4, 68, 88 locomotives
• Specialty: Nuclear transport, intermodal freight, infrastructure support
• Major Contract: Tesco (12,000+ containers/month across 10 routes)
• Environmental Impact: 76% CO2 reduction vs road transport

The Compass livery became the standard corporate identity for Direct Rail Services from the mid-2000s onwards. It featured a rich midnight blue body, contrasted by a sweeping turquoise and light-blue compass motif across the bodysides, symbolising nationwide coverage. Large Direct Rail Services lettering in white and turquoise was prominently displayed, alongside the company’s star-compass logo. High-visibility yellow cab ends were retained for safety, and the roof panels were finished in dark grey.

Applied across much of the DRS fleet, including Classes 37, 47, 57, 66, and 68, the Compass livery gave the operator a strong and instantly recognisable identity. Sleek and modern compared with earlier DRS schemes, it became synonymous with the company’s work on both nuclear traffic and passenger contracts such as the Cumbrian Coast services.