Graham Farish 371-885

British Rail Class 108 DMCL E50636 British Rail Blue

Contents

Tooling

Graham  Farish launched its N gauge tooling for the British Rail Class  108 DMU in 2008. This 1:148 scale model captures the classic first-generation DMUs built by BR Derby between 1958–61 and remained in use into the early 1990s. It marked a notable expansion of the Farish range, providing a compact diesel unit well-suited to smaller layouts.

The Graham Farish Class 108 tooling received positive attention in the model railway press and enthusiast community. Hornby Magazine highlighted the model as a milestone for N gauge, particularly noting the introduction of factory-fitted sound options that set a new standard for British outline models in this scale. Reviewers praised the overall detailing and smooth running characteristics, although some users reported occasional pickup issues or performance quirks after extended running sessions. These were generally attributed to contact springs or wheel cleanliness and were easily resolved with routine maintenance.

The Class 108 has featured widely in online content, including YouTube unboxing videos and running demonstrations that showcase its fine detailing and realistic sound profiles. Installation guides from specialists such as YouChoos illustrate how straightforward it is to fit Zimo decoders and micro speakers for enhanced sound performance. On forums like RMweb and platforms such as Reddit, modellers share layout photos and operational tips, often praising the model’s versatility for branch line and regional scenes. Social media discussions frequently focus on liveries, DCC conversions, and coupling modifications, reflecting the strong community interest in this tooling.

Graham Farish provides accessory packs for the Class 108, including spare bodies, buffer and lamp irons, and interior seating, allowing modellers to customise or repair their units. Many enthusiasts opt for magnetic coupling conversions using neodymium magnets in the NEM pockets to achieve a more prototypical appearance and reliable operation. Weight enhancements of around 20 grams and careful wheel gauge checks are common modifications to improve stability and running performance over modern track and complex pointwork.

Detailing: Separately-applied body details include coach-end railings, jumper cables, exhausts, roof piping and railing, bufferbeam detail and glazing with wipers. Interiors, cab footplate, and accurately painted bodyshells increase realism.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: E50636

The British Rail Class 108 was Derby Works' most successful first-generation DMU design, with 333 aluminium-bodied vehicles built between 1958-1961. Powered by twin Leyland 680 engines producing 600bhp in power-twin formations, these versatile units operated across all four BR regions from North Eastern coastal services to the Cumbrian Coast Line, wearing liveries from BR green through corporate blue to Network SouthEast. The class served 35 years until October 1993, with 48 vehicles surviving in preservation—more than any other first-generation DMU type. Bachmann produces comprehensive OO gauge models (13+ variants, £209-£260) whilst Graham Farish offers extensive N gauge coverage including unique factory sound-fitted options.

Operator & Livery

  • Operator: British Rail
  • Livery: Blue
  • Era: 7 - British Rail Blue 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.

BR Blue, also known as Rail Blue or Monastral Blue, was introduced in 1965 as part of British Rail's comprehensive corporate identity overhaul that accompanied the rebranding from British Railways to British Rail. The colour was officially defined by British Standards BR28/6001 (airless spray finish) and BR28/5321 (brush finish), representing a dark, greyish blue tone specifically chosen to hide dirt and weathering effects well.

The livery was prototyped on the experimental XP64 train in 1964 before becoming the standard scheme from 1 January 1965. Rail Blue was applied to all diesel and electric locomotives with yellow warning panels (initially small, then extending to full yellow ends from 1966). The standardised application included the iconic double arrow logo and Rail Alphabet typeface, creating one of the most successful transport corporate identities of the 20th century.

The livery dominated British Rail operations for over two decades until sectorisation in the 1980s began fragmenting the unified appearance. Despite initial colour fading problems in early applications, these were resolved by the late 1970s when the Large Logo variant was introduced featuring extended yellow areas and full-height double arrow symbols. Rail Blue's enduring appeal among railway enthusiasts reflects its role as the definitive British Rail image during the organisation's most unified period.