Bachmann 32-815Z

British Rail Class 47 47798 "Prince William" English, Welsh & Scottish Railway Royal Train Claret

Contents

Class & Prototype

The British Rail Class 47, or Brush Type 4, built 1962-1968, represents Britain's most numerous mainline diesel with 512 locomotives constructed by Brush Traction and BR Crewe Works. Despite early reliability problems, a mid-1960s decision to derate engines from 2,750 to 2,580 bhp transformed the class into Britain's most dependable mixed-traffic locomotive, achieving 55+ years service. Operating across all BR regions hauling everything from royal trains to coal hoppers, Class 47s wore over 30 distinct liveries spanning BR green through colourful sector schemes to privatisation colours. Currently, Bachmann and Heljan produce exceptional OO gauge models with motorised fans, ESU LokSound V5 sound, and 150+ detail parts, while Graham Farish dominates N gauge. With 32 preserved locomotives and continuing heritage operations, the "Duff" remains an iconic part of British railway heritage.

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

The English, Welsh & Scottish Railway (EWS) operated Britain's largest rail freight network from 1996-2007, controlling 90% of the UK freight market. Formed by Wisconsin Central through acquisition of five British Rail freight companies, EWS revolutionised British freight transport with 250 new General Motors Class 66 locomotives and distinctive maroon and gold livery featuring the famous "three beasties" logo. The company was acquired by Deutsche Bahn in 2007, eventually becoming today's DB Cargo UK while maintaining its freight market dominance.

The EWS Royal Train Claret livery was introduced in the late 1990s for locomotives allocated to hauling the British Royal Train. The design featured a deep royal claret red body, lined with a fine grey roof and finished with discreet gold detailing. Standard yellow warning panels were retained at the cab ends, but otherwise the appearance was restrained and elegant, in keeping with the prestige of the Royal Train.

Applied most prominently to Class 67 locomotives such as 67005 Queen’s Messenger and 67006 Royal Sovereign, the livery created a dignified and distinctive identity, separate from EWS’s standard maroon and gold freight colours. Its understated but regal finish was intended to complement the dedicated Royal Train coaching stock, reflecting the formality and status of its role in official state duties.