- Builder
- Hornby
- Catalogue Number
- R3275
- Category
- RailRoad Locomotives
- Scale
- OO
- Finish
- Pristine
- Year
- 2014
- Pages
-
- Hornby 2014 (95)
- Hornby 2015 (102)
- Hornby 2016 (67)
- Era
- 8 - British Rail Sectorisation
- DCC
- Ready (8 pin)
- Decoders
- -
- Motor
- 5 pole skew wound
- Coupling
- NEM
- Curve
- 2nd Radius (438mm) +
- Length
- 225 mm
- Based on Preserved
- No
- Directional Lighting
- No
- Interior Lighting
- No
- Pickup in Tender
- No
- Sound Decoder Ready
- No
- Passenger Figures
- No
Hornby R3275
British Rail Class 31 31144 British Rail (Grey & Yellow (Dutch))
Class & Prototype
Class: British Rail Class 31
- Traction: Diesel
- Transmission: Electric
- Built: 1957-1962
- Total Built: 263
The Brush Type 2 represents one of British Railways' most remarkable transformation stories. Built by Brush Traction between 1957-1962, these 263 A1A-A1A diesel-electric locomotives initially struggled with unreliable Mirrlees engines, earning TOPS classification as Class 30. The comprehensive re-engining programme of 1964-1969 replaced the problematic powerplants with proven English Electric 12SVT engines, transforming them into dependable Class 31 locomotives that served for over 50 years. Originally nicknamed "Toffee Apples" (pilot batch) and "Skinheads" (early production), they evolved from operational liability to versatile workhorse, handling everything from branch line passenger services to main line freight duties. The class demonstrates how systematic engineering solutions can rescue unsuccessful designs, with the final locomotive withdrawn in 2017 after six decades of service. Today, 36 examples survive in preservation, whilst excellent ready-to-run models from Accurascale, Hornby, and Bachmann enable authentic recreation of both Class 30 and Class 31 configurations across multiple scales and eras.
Prototype: 31144
- Ordered By: -
- Built By: -
- Built At: -
- Built: -
- Withdrawn: -
- Length of Service: -
- Running Numbers: -
- Names: -
Operator & Livery
Operator: British Rail
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.