Graham Farish 371-064

Tooling

The Graham Farish N Gauge model of the British Rail Class 03 diesel-mechanical shunter was first introduced in 2011 as part of Bachmann’s Blue Riband range. This release represented a significant step forward in detailing and accuracy for small shunters in N scale, capturing the distinctive features of the prototype built between 1957 and 1962 for light shunting duties across the BR network.

Tooling Features

• Construction: Plastic bodyshell with metal components; chassis includes plastic and metal parts for strength and weight.
• Detailing: Factory-fitted separate details including etched radiator grille, brake pump, lamp irons, handrails, exhaust variations (‘flowerpot’ and conical types), bufferbeam detail (with additional parts in accessory pack), etched footstep guards, sandboxes, sanding gear, and detailed cab interior with glazing and wipers.
• Couplings: NEM pockets with standard N gauge (Arnold-Rapido) couplers.

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor: Coreless motor located centrally in the chassis.
• Drive: Loco-driven wheels via jackshaft arrangement; pickups on all wheels.
• Minimum Radius: First radius curves (approx. 230 mm).
• Weighting: Incorporated within chassis for improved adhesion.
• Lighting: No factory-fitted lighting.

DCC Capability

The 2011 tooling was DCC incompatible out of the box, with no socket provided. Conversion required hard-wiring a decoder, which was challenging due to the limited internal space.

Liveries Produced

• BR Green with Late Crest (Era 5)
• BR Green with Wasp Stripes (Era 5)
• BR Blue with Wasp Stripes & Air Tanks (Era 7)
• Weathered variants of the above liveries were also offered.

Reviews & Commentary

The 2011 Class 03 was praised for its fine detailing and accurate proportions, particularly the etched components and separately fitted parts which were considered exceptional for such a small model. The coreless motor provided smooth and quiet running, with good slow-speed control ideal for shunting. However, criticism focused on the lack of DCC readiness, which limited appeal for digital modellers. Despite this, the model was regarded as a high-quality representation of the prototype and a welcome addition to N gauge layouts.

Media & Social Media

Video reviews and forum discussions highlighted the model’s intricate detail and reliable performance. Enthusiasts noted its ability to handle tight curves and its suitability for small layouts. Weathered examples by specialist finishers were particularly popular among collectors.

Interesting Notes

The tooling included two exhaust variations to match prototype differences, and bufferbeam detailing packs allowed further customization. At just 54 mm in length, the model was one of the smallest powered locomotives in the Graham Farish range at the time.

Class & Prototype

The BR Class 03 was British Railways' standard light diesel-mechanical shunter, with 230 built at Doncaster and Swindon Works between 1957-1962. Powered by the legendary Gardner 8L3 engine and featuring distinctive jackshaft drive with coupling rods, these 30-ton locomotives excelled on weight-restricted lines, docks, and industrial sidings where heavier Class 08s couldn't operate. Notable variants included nine cut-down cab examples for the Burry Port & Gwendraeth Valley Railway and two for Isle of Wight tunnel clearance. With 56 preserved (24% survival rate) and the last example working until 2008, the Class 03 remains popular with heritage railways and modellers alike.

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

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.

BR Blue, also known as Rail Blue or Monastral Blue, was introduced in 1965 as part of British Rail's comprehensive corporate identity overhaul that accompanied the rebranding from British Railways to British Rail. The colour was officially defined by British Standards BR28/6001 (airless spray finish) and BR28/5321 (brush finish), representing a dark, greyish blue tone specifically chosen to hide dirt and weathering effects well.

The livery was prototyped on the experimental XP64 train in 1964 before becoming the standard scheme from 1 January 1965. Rail Blue was applied to all diesel and electric locomotives with yellow warning panels (initially small, then extending to full yellow ends from 1966). The standardised application included the iconic double arrow logo and Rail Alphabet typeface, creating one of the most successful transport corporate identities of the 20th century.

The livery dominated British Rail operations for over two decades until sectorisation in the 1980s began fragmenting the unified appearance. Despite initial colour fading problems in early applications, these were resolved by the late 1970s when the Large Logo variant was introduced featuring extended yellow areas and full-height double arrow symbols. Rail Blue's enduring appeal among railway enthusiasts reflects its role as the definitive British Rail image during the organisation's most unified period.