Hornby R3900

British Rail Class 08 08645 "St. Piran" Great Western Railway (FirstGroup) Cornish Flag

Contents

Class & Prototype

The British Rail Class 08 diesel-electric shunter represents Britain's most numerous locomotive class with 996 built 1952-1962. Powered by the reliable English Electric 6KT diesel engine producing 350-400hp, these 0-6-0 yard locomotives continue working after seven decades, with 100-170 still in active service alongside 87 preserved examples. The Class 08's universal deployment across freight yards, passenger stations, and industrial sidings from 1953 to present makes it the most versatile British diesel for model railway layouts.

  • Running Number: 08645
  • Name: St. Piran
  • Ordered By: British Railways
  • Built By: British Railways
  • Built At: Horwich
  • Built: 02/1959
  • Withdrawn: -
  • Length of Service: 66.8 years
  • Running Numbers: BR D3812, BR 08645
  • Names: -

Operator & Livery

The contemporary Great Western Railway, owned by FirstGroup since 1998, operates Britain's flagship rail franchise connecting London Paddington to the West Country, Wales, and Cotswolds. Serving over 100 million passengers annually, GWR deliberately adopted the historic railway's name and green livery in 2015 to honour Brunel's legacy. The company operates state-of-the-art Hitachi Intercity Express Trains with bi-mode electric-diesel capability alongside traditional diesel multiple units on rural branches. The £7.5 billion fleet modernisation programme, combined with Great Western Main Line electrification, transformed passenger services while maintaining the heritage appeal that makes GWR popular among railway modellers. Current franchise operates until 2028 before likely transition to public ownership.