Graham Farish 371-802

British Rail Class 91 91021 Archbishop Thomas Cranmer Great North Eastern Railway Blue & Red

Contents

Tooling

The Graham Farish British Rail Class 91 in N gauge was first introduced in 1990, representing the flagship electric locomotive of British Rail’s InterCity 225 sets on the East Coast Main Line. The prototype Class 91 entered service in 1988 and famously set a UK speed record of 161.7 mph in 1989. Farish’s tooling was significant at the time, as it brought a modern AC electric locomotive to the N gauge market, catering to enthusiasts modelling contemporary electrified operations.

At launch, the Class 91 was welcomed for filling a gap in N gauge modern traction. However, reviews noted compromises: lack of lighting, basic detailing, and non-DCC readiness. Enthusiasts on forums such as RMweb and N Gauge Forum describe the model as "dated but serviceable," with many upgrading pantographs, couplers, and adding detail parts. The tooling has never been reissued to modern standards, making it a sought-after item on the second-hand market.

The original tooling was DCC compatible but not DCC ready. There was no factory socket, requiring hard-wired decoder installation and isolation of motor brushes. Specialist conversions often include fitting Next18 sockets and sound decoders, with optional lighting upgrades.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: 91021
  • Name: Archbishop Thomas Cranmer

The British Rail Class 91 represents Britain's most advanced domestic electric locomotive, holding the 161.7 mph national speed record since 1989. Built at BREL Crewe Works between 1988-1991, these 31 locomotives pioneered unique body-mounted traction motors derived from Advanced Passenger Train research. Operating InterCity 225 services with Mark 4 coaches and Driving Van Trailers, the class served six operators across 36 years on the East Coast Main Line. Despite 140 mph design capability, signalling regulations limited operational speed to 125 mph. LNER currently operates 12 examples, with final withdrawal scheduled by end of 2028 when CAF Class 897 tri-mode units arrive. Hornby's exceptional 2022-tooled OO gauge models feature 21-pin DCC, five-pole motors, all-wheel drive, and directional LED lighting across multiple liveries from InterCity Swallow through GNER, Virgin Trains East Coast, and current LNER oxblood claret.

Operator & Livery