Graham Farish 371-052

Tooling

The Graham Farish British Rail Class 04 diesel shunter was introduced to the N gauge range in 2007 by Bachmann under the Graham Farish brand. This tooling represented a significant step forward in detail and accuracy compared to earlier Farish models, aimed at capturing the distinctive features of the Drewry-built shunters that served British Railways from the 1950s through the early 1970s.

Tooling Features

• Construction: Plastic bodyshell with metal components; chassis combines plastic and metal for strength and weight.
• Detailing: Factory-fitted separate details including etched radiator grille, lamp irons, exhausts, handrails, horns, bufferbeam detail, pipework front and rear, cab interior, detailed glazing, brake rigging, sanding gear, and chemically blackened wheels.
• Couplings: NEM pockets with standard N gauge Rapido-style couplers.

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor: Can motor mounted centrally in the chassis.
• Drive: All wheels powered via a reliable gear train; pickups on all wheels.
• Weighting: Incorporated within the chassis for improved adhesion.
• Lighting: No directional lighting on this tooling.

DCC Capability

The original 2007 tooling was DCC incompatible out of the box, with no decoder socket provided. Conversion required hard-wiring a decoder, and specialist fitting services were commonly offered by retailers. Later updates (covered separately) introduced DCC-ready chassis.

Liveries Produced

The 2007 tooling was released in multiple authentic liveries reflecting the prototype’s working life:

• BR Black with early emblem (Era 4).
• BR Green with late crest (Era 5).
• BR Blue with wasp stripes (Era 6).
• Industrial yellow for National Coal Board (Era 6/7).

Reviews & Commentary

Contemporary reviews praised the model’s fine detailing and accurate proportions, noting the etched grille and separately fitted parts as standout features for N gauge at the time. Running qualities were generally considered smooth for such a small locomotive, though some users reported limited haulage capacity due to its size. Enthusiasts on forums such as RMweb highlighted its ability to perform reliable slow-speed shunting, often outperforming similar small shunters in analogue operation.

Media & Social Media

Video reviews and discussions on platforms like YouTube and RMweb showcased the model’s appearance and performance. Collectors appreciated the authentic livery application and crisp printing. While the lack of factory DCC provision was a common criticism, many modellers undertook conversions successfully.

Interesting Notes

• The tooling marked a transition period for Graham Farish, reflecting Bachmann’s investment in improving N gauge fidelity.
• Despite being superseded by a 2022 retooling, the 2007 version remains popular among collectors for its charm and historical significance.

Class & Prototype

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

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.

British Railways' plain black livery was designated specifically for freight and shunting locomotives from 1948, representing the most economical and practical finish for inherently dirty industrial machines. During the early nationalisation period, many locomotives were simply patch-painted over old company markings with black paint, which quickly weathered to match the existing finish as these engines were rarely cleaned. The "Lion and Wheel" emblem (nicknamed the "Cycling Lion") was introduced from December 1948 and applied to plain black locomotives from early 1949, featuring a lion standing over a large railway wheel with "British Railways" lettering across the centre.

The emblem was produced in three sizes and always faced forward, positioned centrally on tender sides or tank sides, with regional preferences evident—the Western Region favoured larger emblems whilst other regions used smaller versions. Plain black locomotives retained red buffer beams and received white "BRITISH RAILWAYS" lettering in Gill Sans style before the emblem's introduction. Some former company locomotives, particularly ex-GWR shunting engines, retained their original lettering well into the early 1960s as they didn't require renumbering and received minimal attention. This utilitarian livery remained standard for freight operations until the mid-1950s emblem change, making it essential for authentic early BR period modelling of goods yards, collieries, and industrial operations.