Graham Farish 371-780A

British Rail Class 90/0 90006 High Sheriff British Rail InterCity Swallow

Contents

Tooling

In 2022, Graham Farish unveiled an all-new tooling for the British Rail Class 90 AC electric locomotive in N gauge, replacing the original 1990s-era model. This release marked a significant leap forward in design and technology for British N gauge electric traction. The new model was announced as part of Bachmann’s quarterly British Railway Announcements and debuted at The International N Gauge Show. It was developed to meet modern expectations for accuracy, performance, and digital capability, following the success of the OO scale Class 90 introduced under the Bachmann Branchline brand.

The new Class 90 has been widely praised for its accuracy, smooth and quiet running, and comprehensive specification. Reviewers highlighted the fine bodyside grilles, cab roof contours, and detailed underframe components. The poseable pantograph and lighting features were noted as standout improvements. Some feedback mentioned decoder installation requires careful handling due to tight body fit, but overall reception has been highly positive, with many considering it a benchmark for modern N gauge electric locomotives.

Model railway press and online communities welcomed the upgrade as a "game-changer" for British N gauge. Social media posts and forum discussions frequently compared the new tooling to the original 1990s version, praising the leap in quality and technology. SOUND FITTED versions were particularly popular among enthusiasts seeking realism.

This tooling introduced features never before seen on a Graham Farish electric locomotive in N gauge, including factory-fitted sound options and cab lighting. It set a new standard for future electric models in the range.

Detailing: Separately applied underframe and roof components, detailed cab interiors, and a finely reproduced Brecknell Willis high-speed pantograph which is poseable. Separate metal bearings fitted to each axle for smooth running.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: 90006
  • Name: High Sheriff

The British Rail Class 90 electric locomotive, built 1987-1990 at BREL Crewe, delivered 5,000 hp from 25kV AC overhead supply through sophisticated thyristor control. Fifty locomotives served BR InterCity, Virgin Trains, Greater Anglia, and freight operators across 37 years. Pioneer of Time-Division Multiplexing push-pull operations, the class worked West Coast and East Coast main lines at 110 mph with Mark 3 coaching stock. Over 35 liveries span InterCity Swallow through privatisation operators to contemporary Freightliner freight. Bachmann's 2019 OO gauge tooling features world-first servo-operated pantograph; Graham Farish offers excellent N gauge versions. Approximately 30 remain operational.

Operator & Livery

British Rail InterCity was the premium express passenger brand that operated from 1966 to 1997, transforming long-distance rail travel across Britain. Initially launched as a marketing brand for high-speed services, InterCity became an autonomous business sector in 1982 under the sectorisation programme, operating profitable express services from London to Scotland, Wales, the West Country, and extensive cross-country routes.

The brand pioneered revolutionary rolling stock including the iconic InterCity 125 HST (High Speed Train) from 1976, which achieved 125mph operations on existing infrastructure, and the electric InterCity 225 sets from 1989, capable of 140mph but limited to 125mph in service. InterCity also developed the ground-breaking Advanced Passenger Train (APT) with tilting technology that influenced modern high-speed trains worldwide.

Distinguished by its evolving livery schemes - from Rail Blue and Grey through the sophisticated Executive livery with dark grey upper bodies and red stripes - InterCity became synonymous with quality, speed, and reliability. All day services featured buffet cars and the majority operated at 100mph or above, making British Rail one of the world's most intensive high-speed operators.

The brand was divided among multiple operators during railway privatisation in the 1990s, but its technical innovations, operational excellence, and commercial principles continue influencing modern rail services. InterCity remains hugely popular with railway modellers, with extensive ranges of locomotives and coaching stock available in all major scales from manufacturers like Hornby, Bachmann, and Heljan.