Graham Farish 371-513KSF

British Rail Class 101 DMBS SC51224 British Rail Regional Railways SPTE Orange & Black

Contents

Tooling

In 2011, Graham Farish (by then under Bachmann's brand umbrella) retooled its N-gauge British Rail Class 101 "Met-Cam" range, bringing the tooling up to modern standards with enhanced mechanics and full DCC readiness—leaving the 1982 tooling behind.

Upon release, the modernised 2011 tooling received enthusiastic praise in N-gauge reviews and online forums. Reviewers highlighted the improved motor chassis, quieter gearing, and added directional lighting as significant upgrades. The dual-DCC decoder option enabled independent control of power units, bolstering operation flexibility, especially for 3-car formations. Collector-led video reviews praised the robust detailing and faithful liveries, often awarding a 9/10 score. Most hobbyists found the built-in speaker space ideal for aftermarket sound chips, with installation requiring minimal effort—further validating the tooling's design for enhanced realism and performance.

Detailing: Precise N-gauge bodies featuring separate cab headcode boxes—some with roof-mounted heads—alongside finely moulded handrails, exhausts, vestibules, and bufferbeam details. Chemically blackened wheels, factory-fitted glazing with optional extras like window wipers, pipework for front and rear, and detachable detailing pack for added realism.

Graham Farish's Description & Specifications

Unveiled as part of Bachmann Europe's Autumn 2022 British Railway Announcements, we are delighted to present this Bachmann Collectors Club Limited Edition model of the three car Class 101 DMU in the striking orange and black livery of Strathclyde PTE complete with SOUND FITTED.

The Graham Farish model of the Class 101 three car Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) captures the character of these first generation DMUs to a tee. Featuring detailed bodywork and interiors, the bogies have been finely rendered and all of the chassis-mounted equipment is present and correct too. The exquisite livery application is the icing on the cake for this N scale model, with the verdant paintwork enhanced by authentic numbers and logos to produce a multiple unit fit for any Scottish fleet. Mechanically, the model is driven by a three pole motor with flywheel and directional lighting is fitted to both end vehicles, being SOUND FITTED the model has a pre-fitted DCC sound decoder and speaker in the motorised vehicle and a second decoder fitted to the driving trailer to operate the lights - meaning this model is ready for use with sound effects on Analogue and DCC straight out of the box!

  • Graham Farish N Scale
  • Era 8
  • Pristine BR Strathclyde PTE livery
  • Set No. 101304
  • Comprises Car Nos. SC51224 (DMBS), SC59090 (TSL) & SC53241 (DMSL)
  • Destination blinds for Glasgow and Dunblane
  • Accessory Pack
  • NEM Coupling Pockets
  • Powerful 3 Pole Motor with Flywheel
  • Interior Detailing
  • Directional Lighting
  • SOUND FITTED - Fitted with a Zimo MX649N DDC Sound Decoder (plus a Zimo MX671N DCC decoder in the trailer vehicle)
  • Length 413mm

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: SC51224

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