Graham Farish 371-511

British Rail Class 101 DMBS SC51227 British Rail Blue & Grey

Contents

Tooling

In 2011, Graham Farish (by then under Bachmann's brand umbrella) retooled its N-gauge British Rail Class 101 "Met-Cam" range, bringing the tooling up to modern standards with enhanced mechanics and full DCC readiness—leaving the 1982 tooling behind.

Upon release, the modernised 2011 tooling received enthusiastic praise in N-gauge reviews and online forums. Reviewers highlighted the improved motor chassis, quieter gearing, and added directional lighting as significant upgrades. The dual-DCC decoder option enabled independent control of power units, bolstering operation flexibility, especially for 3-car formations. Collector-led video reviews praised the robust detailing and faithful liveries, often awarding a 9/10 score. Most hobbyists found the built-in speaker space ideal for aftermarket sound chips, with installation requiring minimal effort—further validating the tooling's design for enhanced realism and performance.

Detailing: Precise N-gauge bodies featuring separate cab headcode boxes—some with roof-mounted heads—alongside finely moulded handrails, exhausts, vestibules, and bufferbeam details. Chemically blackened wheels, factory-fitted glazing with optional extras like window wipers, pipework for front and rear, and detachable detailing pack for added realism.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: SC51227

The British Rail Class 101 was Metro-Cammell's most successful first-generation DMU, with over 700 vehicles built 1956-1959 serving across Britain for 47 years until 2003. Powered by twin 150hp BUT AEC or Leyland diesel engines, these distinctive units operated from Tyneside to Scottish Highlands, dominating Birmingham's Cross-City Line for 35 years. Comprehensive 1970s-1980s refurbishment programmes extended their operational lives dramatically. The type carried every major BR livery including green, blue, blue/grey, white/blue, Strathclyde orange, and Network SouthEast schemes. With 41 vehicles preserved and comprehensive model availability from Bachmann (OO), Graham Farish (N gauge), and Hornby, the Class 101 remains essential for depicting authentic British branch line and suburban operations from the late 1950s through early 2000s.

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.