Graham Farish Jubilee 372-476

Some time ago, Bachmann decided it made economic sense to develop their Graham Farish N gauge range in parallel with their 00 gauge Branchline models. That way the cost of research and development could be reduced. The Jubilee is the first major steam outline subject to be developed by the British company in both gauges at the same time.

Designed by Sir William Stanier for the LMSR, 191 locomotives were built between April 1934 and December 1936. Many saw service on the former Midland Railway main line between London St. Pancras, the East Midlands, Sheffield, Leeds and Carlisle. They also worked cross-country trains from Bristol towards Birmingham and the North East. On the West Coast main line they saw active service on trains between London Euston and Birmingham New Street.

Although unnamed at first, the Silver Jubilee of King George V in 1935 resulted in No. 5552 being repainted into glossy black livery with chromium plated handrails, boiler fittings and cab side numbers being applied. The class was then named after countries and states that made up the British Empire, former admirals and British warships. Withdrawals began in January 1961 with the last of the class being withdrawn in November 1967, nine months before the end of steam on British Rail. The final examples worked in the North West with four members of the class entering preservation.

The first model to be released is No. 45611 ‘Hong Kong’ (illustrated here) in BR Brunswick green livery with early emblem. It has a DCC socket installed (6 pin) and is tender driven. The number '45611' is printed on the cabsides but the nameplates are unprinted. However, etched metal nameplates are provided for the purchaser to fit but this also allows them to use a different name if required.