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.

Tooling Features

  • Construction: Plastic bodyshell with separate factory-fitted details; chassis combines plastic and metal components.
  • Detailing: Includes Brecknell Willis high-speed pantograph (poseable but unpowered), roof-mounted electrical gear, cab interior detail, and flush glazing.
  • Finish: Chemically blackened wheels for improved appearance.

Mechanical & Electrical

  • Motor: Centrally mounted can motor with twin flywheels for smoother running.
  • Drive: All-wheel drive with pickups on all wheels.
  • Weighting: Incorporated within the chassis for traction.
  • Lighting: No working lights provided on this tooling.
  • Pantograph: Cosmetic only, non-functional.

DCC Capability

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.

Reviews & Commentary

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.

Interesting Notes

  • 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

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery