Specification
Builder
Bachmann
Catalogue Number
30-300
Category
OO Scale Train Sets
Scale
OO
Finish
Pristine
Year
1992
Pages
  • Bachmann 1992 (13)
  • Bachmann 1994 (28)
  • Bachmann 1995 (29)
Era
7 - British Rail Blue TOPS
DCC
No
Decoders
-
Motor
-
Coupling
-
Curve
1st Radius (371mm) +
Length
108 mm
Based on Preserved
No
Directional Lighting
No
Interior Lighting
No
Pickup in Tender
No
Sound Decoder Ready
No
Passenger Figures
No

Bachmann 30-300

British Rail Class 03 03371 British Rail (Black)

Class & Prototype

Class: British Rail Class 03

  • Traction: Diesel
  • Transmission: Mechanical
  • Built: 1957-1961
  • Total Built: 230

The BR Class 03 was one of British Railways' most successful small diesel shunters, with 230 locomotives built between 1957-1962 at Swindon and Doncaster Works. Weighing just 30 tons and powered by reliable Gardner 8L3 engines producing 204hp, these versatile 0-6-0 locomotives handled shunting duties, station pilot work, and specialized services on weight-restricted lines where heavier Class 08s couldn't operate. Notable for their jackshaft drive arrangement and compact wheelbase, Class 03s served across four BR regions until withdrawals began in 1968, with the last example retiring in 2008. Today, 56 locomotives survive in preservation, while Bachmann produces detailed OO gauge models with DCC sound capability, making them popular choices for industrial and dock modelling scenarios.

Prototype: 03371

  • Ordered By: -
  • Built By: -
  • Built At: -
  • Built: -
  • Withdrawn: -
  • Length of Service: -
  • Running Numbers: -
  • Names: -

Operator & Livery

Operator: British Rail

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.

Livery: Black