Graham Farish Class 08 0-6-0DS 371-015

Perhaps the best Graham Farish model to date is how the new Class 08 diesel shunter from Bachmann is described. It has outside frames and plenty of external detail.

Our sample is in BR Rail blue livery as '08741'. Handrails, electrical conduits and radiator pipes are separate attachments, as too is the whistle. Because of the number of fixing points, the bonnet top handrails had to be moulded in white plastic and, as in the past when this has been necessary, they lack the rigidity of wire handrails. However, this is a very minor criticism when you take into account everything else that is so good.

The main body and cab are diecast to maximise the weight of the model and this has helped to make it a powerful model in relation to its size. Also, for best performance on tight curves in shunting yards, the coupling rods had to be slightly over scale. The lettering on the edge of the footplate is extremely fine and the overall finish is pleasing. The view inside the cab on such a small model is difficult but it certainly looks 'finished'.