Graham Farish 8807

British Rail Class 91 91005 British Rail InterCity Swallow

Contents

Tooling

The Graham Farish British Rail Class 91 in N gauge was first introduced in 1990, representing the flagship electric locomotive of British Rail’s InterCity 225 sets on the East Coast Main Line. The prototype Class 91 entered service in 1988 and famously set a UK speed record of 161.7 mph in 1989. Farish’s tooling was significant at the time, as it brought a modern AC electric locomotive to the N gauge market, catering to enthusiasts modelling contemporary electrified operations.

At launch, the Class 91 was welcomed for filling a gap in N gauge modern traction. However, reviews noted compromises: lack of lighting, basic detailing, and non-DCC readiness. Enthusiasts on forums such as RMweb and N Gauge Forum describe the model as "dated but serviceable," with many upgrading pantographs, couplers, and adding detail parts. The tooling has never been reissued to modern standards, making it a sought-after item on the second-hand market.

The original tooling was DCC compatible but not DCC ready. There was no factory socket, requiring hard-wired decoder installation and isolation of motor brushes. Specialist conversions often include fitting Next18 sockets and sound decoders, with optional lighting upgrades.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: 91005

The British Rail Class 91 represents Britain's most advanced domestic electric locomotive, holding the 161.7 mph national speed record since 1989. Built at BREL Crewe Works between 1988-1991, these 31 locomotives pioneered unique body-mounted traction motors derived from Advanced Passenger Train research. Operating InterCity 225 services with Mark 4 coaches and Driving Van Trailers, the class served six operators across 36 years on the East Coast Main Line. Despite 140 mph design capability, signalling regulations limited operational speed to 125 mph. LNER currently operates 12 examples, with final withdrawal scheduled by end of 2028 when CAF Class 897 tri-mode units arrive. Hornby's exceptional 2022-tooled OO gauge models feature 21-pin DCC, five-pole motors, all-wheel drive, and directional LED lighting across multiple liveries from InterCity Swallow through GNER, Virgin Trains East Coast, and current LNER oxblood claret.

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.