Graham Farish 8145

British Rail Class 101 DTCL 54751 British Rail Blue & Grey

Contents

Tooling

The Graham Farish British  Rail  Class 101 "Met-Cam" N-gauge tooling was introduced in 1982. Based on the distinctive first-generation Metro-Cammell DMUs built between 1956–59, it was among the earliest N-gauge renditions capturing the Class  101's characteristic body profile and clean-lined aesthetics.

The original Graham Farish Class 101 tooling was well received in its era, praised in N-gauge magazines for capturing the Metro-Cammell DMU’s distinctive profile and providing one of the first opportunities to model these units in N scale. While enthusiasts appreciated its robustness and smooth running, limitations such as the single-motor design, lack of lighting, and absence of DCC readiness were noted. Forum discussions and collector feedback over the years highlight its reliability and weight, which made it ideal for tight curves, though some hobbyists have undertaken retrofits for lighting and improved electrical pickup. Today, it is regarded as a historically significant model that marked an important step in British N-gauge development.

No DCC socket was fitted in the original run, making factory conversion impractical without chassis replacements.

Detailing: Injection-moulded bodyshells with separate fitted glazing, handrails, vents, and exhaust stacks. Textured roof surfaces, printed linework for doors and panels.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: 54751

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 & Grey
  • 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.