Graham Farish 371-751

British Rail Class 87 87019 Sir Winston Churchill Virgin Trains West Coast Red & Black

Contents

Tooling

The Graham Farish Class 87 in N gauge was first introduced in 1998, representing British Rail’s flagship AC electric locomotive of the 1970s and 1980s. The prototype Class 87 was designed for high-speed passenger services on the West Coast Main Line and became synonymous with InterCity and later Virgin Trains operations. This model marked an important addition to the Graham Farish range, offering enthusiasts an accurate representation of a modern electric locomotive in N scale.

At launch, the Class 87 was praised for its accurate body shape and fine detailing, particularly the roof equipment and pantograph. However, criticism focused on the split-chassis mechanism, which was prone to wear and offered limited smoothness compared to later Farish designs. The lack of DCC readiness and lighting features also drew comment as standards evolved. Enthusiasts today often regard the model as a nostalgic piece, with many opting for modern replacements from other manufacturers for improved performance.

The original 1998 tooling is DCC incompatible and features a split-chassis design. Conversion to DCC requires isolating motor brushes and fitting a decoder using aftermarket solutions such as “Digihat” systems. This process is considered advanced and typically undertaken by specialists.

Detailing: Includes roof-mounted electrical gear, cab interior detail, and flush glazing. Chemically blackened wheels for improved appearance.

The tooling remained in production for several years before being retired following Bachmann’s acquisition of Graham Farish and the subsequent move to Chinese production with upgraded specifications. Despite its age, the model remains popular among collectors for its representation of late BR and early privatisation eras.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: 87019
  • Name: Sir Winston Churchill

The British Rail Class 87 represented BR's most successful express electric locomotive, with 36 built at Crewe Works 1973-1975 for West Coast Main Line services. Delivering 5,000hp continuously through revolutionary body-mounted traction motors with Flexicoil suspension, these Bo-Bo electrics hauled premier Anglo-Scottish expresses at 110mph for three decades. Named to celebrate Anglo-Scottish connections, the class served from Electric Scot inauguration in 1974 until Virgin's final service in December 2006. Twenty-one locomotives exported to Bulgaria continue freight operations, whilst 87002 Royal Sovereign remains UK's only operational example. Available as Hornby OO gauge and Dapol N gauge models in multiple liveries spanning BR Blue through InterCity Swallow to Virgin red.

Operator & Livery