Bachmann 30-425

British Rail Class 251 British Railways Nanking Blue

Contents

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: -

The British Rail Class 251 'Blue Pullman' was Britain's first purpose-built diesel luxury express train, operating from July 1960 to May 1973. Five complete trains comprising 36 vehicles were built by Metropolitan-Cammell, featuring full air conditioning, double-glazing, and the power-car-at-each-end configuration that would later influence the InterCity 125. Two six-car sets operated the Midland Pullman (London St Pancras–Manchester Central), whilst three eight-car sets served Western Region routes including Birmingham, Bristol, South Wales, and Oxford services. Powered by twin NBL/MAN 1,000 bhp diesel engines driving eight GEC traction motors, the trains achieved 90 mph maximum speed though suffered persistent rough riding and marginal power output. The distinctive Nanking Blue livery with white window surrounds created striking visual impact, later replaced by reversed BR corporate blue-and-grey from October 1967. Tragically, not one vehicle survived preservation despite multiple serious attempts—all 36 were scrapped at Briton Ferry Docks by 1975. Bachmann produces exceptional OO gauge models (£400-£650 for sound-fitted variants) whilst Graham Farish offers N gauge versions (£200-£400), making these the sole physical legacy of an innovative yet short-lived experiment in railway luxury.

Operator & Livery

  • Operator: British Railways
  • Livery: Nanking Blue
  • 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.