Graham Farish 371-783ASF

British Rail Class 90/0 90002 Mission: Impossible Virgin Trains West Coast Red & Black

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: 90002
  • Name: Mission: Impossible

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