Graham Farish 371-753

British Rail Class 87 87005 City of London British Rail InterCity Executive

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: 87005
  • Name: City of London

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

British Rail InterCity was the premium express passenger brand that operated from 1966 to 1997, transforming long-distance rail travel across Britain. Initially launched as a marketing brand for high-speed services, InterCity became an autonomous business sector in 1982 under the sectorisation programme, operating profitable express services from London to Scotland, Wales, the West Country, and extensive cross-country routes.

The brand pioneered revolutionary rolling stock including the iconic InterCity 125 HST (High Speed Train) from 1976, which achieved 125mph operations on existing infrastructure, and the electric InterCity 225 sets from 1989, capable of 140mph but limited to 125mph in service. InterCity also developed the ground-breaking Advanced Passenger Train (APT) with tilting technology that influenced modern high-speed trains worldwide.

Distinguished by its evolving livery schemes - from Rail Blue and Grey through the sophisticated Executive livery with dark grey upper bodies and red stripes - InterCity became synonymous with quality, speed, and reliability. All day services featured buffet cars and the majority operated at 100mph or above, making British Rail one of the world's most intensive high-speed operators.

The brand was divided among multiple operators during railway privatisation in the 1990s, but its technical innovations, operational excellence, and commercial principles continue influencing modern rail services. InterCity remains hugely popular with railway modellers, with extensive ranges of locomotives and coaching stock available in all major scales from manufacturers like Hornby, Bachmann, and Heljan.