Lima L204829

British Rail Class 117 DMS 51410 British Railways WR Chocolate & Cream

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: 51410

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

  • Operator: British Railways
  • Livery: WR Chocolate & Cream
  • Era: 5 - British Railways Late Crest

British Railways transformed Britain's fragmented rail network into a unified national system following nationalisation on 1st January 1948. Created from the "Big Four" companies under the Transport Act 1947, BR operated most of Great Britain's railways until rebranding as British Rail in 1965, managing over 20,000 route miles and inheriting nearly 20,000 locomotives of diverse designs.

The organisation pioneered standardisation through its revolutionary BR Standard locomotive programme (1951-1960), producing 999 advanced steam engines under Robert Riddles' direction. These included the versatile Britannia Pacifics, mighty 9F freight engines, and mixed-traffic classes that incorporated the best features from all predecessor companies. The 1955 Modernisation Plan accelerated diesel and electric traction development, creating fascinating mixed-traction operations.

Notable achievements included establishing unified locomotive classification systems, introducing distinctive corporate liveries, and managing the complex transition from steam to modern traction. BR's six regional structure preserved operational diversity whilst enabling standardisation of practices, signalling, and rolling stock that had eluded private enterprise for over a century.

The BR era represents steam traction's final flowering alongside emerging diesel technology, creating unparalleled locomotive variety. Today, this heritage remains highly popular with railway enthusiasts through extensive preserved fleets, heritage railway operations, and comprehensive model ranges from manufacturers like Hornby, Bachmann, and Dapol, making BR subjects essential for authentic post-war British railway modelling across all scales.