Graham Farish 371-752

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

• Class: British Rail Class 87
• Traction: Electric
• Built: 1973-1975
• Total Built: 36

• Running Number: 87002
• Name: Royal Sovereign

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

• Operator: British Rail
• Livery: Blue
• Era: 7 - British Rail Blue TOPS

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.