Lima L149816

British Rail Class 117 DMBS W51334 British Rail Blue

Contents

Tooling

The Lima OO-gauge tooling for the British Rail Class 117 was introduced in 1980, during a period when Lima was expanding its UK range and offering competitively priced, ready-to-run multiple units. The 117 tooling came at a time of growing demand for modern DMUs in budget-conscious model form, filling a niche later overtaken by more refined options in the 2000s.

On its release, the Lima Class 117 earned praise for its affordability and strong bodyshell detailing, which included accurate glazing and interior seating. While the mechanical design was basic, the pancake motor provided reliable performance for its era, though some users reported stiffness in the power bogie and occasional derailments on tight curves if maintenance was neglected. Over time, enthusiasts noted that the model lacked the refinement of later offerings, such as Bachmann’s tooling, but it remained a popular choice for budget-conscious modellers. Today, the Lima 117 is often seen as a nostalgic classic, with many examples still in service thanks to upgrades like improved pickups, weathering, and DCC conversions.

Online communities and social media continue to celebrate the Lima Class 117 for its vintage charm. YouTube features numerous unboxing videos and running sessions showcasing its distinctive headcode boxes and period liveries, which remain visually appealing despite age. Blog posts and forums frequently discuss restoration and enhancement projects, including flush-glazing, corridor connector fitting, and repainting, helping modellers bring older units up to modern standards. The second-hand market reflects this enduring interest, with prices often exceeding original retail values, and hobbyists regularly share tips for improving performance and aesthetics, reinforcing the model’s status as a well-loved classic.

Detailing: Coach-end railings, exhausts, gangway connectors, roof fittings, and glazing with seating and footplate interior. Marker lights, headcode box variants, window wipers, and underframe representation including air tanks, battery boxes, engine pipework, and fuel tank.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: W51334

The British Rail Class 117 diesel multiple units were built by Pressed Steel Company between 1959-1961 as three-car suburban sets comprising DMBS, TCL, and DMS vehicles. Powered by dual Leyland 680 horizontal diesel engines producing 600hp per unit, these elegant DMUs served Thames Valley, Birmingham Cross-City, Scottish, and Cornish routes for forty years until final withdrawal in 2000. The class achieved remarkable preservation success with 51 surviving vehicles across twenty heritage locations, including the Swanage Railway's mainline-certified set operating scheduled Network Rail services. Bachmann produces comprehensive OO gauge models (£459.95-569.95) featuring dual motors, authentic period liveries from BR green through Network SouthEast, and optional sound-fitted variants, whilst Heljan offers O gauge versions arriving December 2025.

Operator & Livery

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.