Graham Farish BR Class 04 Diesel Shunter

Graham Farish BR Class 04 Diesel Shunter

Later designated Class 04 under the 1971 TOPS system, 140 diesel shunters were built by Drewry (but subcontracted to Vulcan Foundry) and Robert Stephenson & Hawthorn between 1952 and 1962. The total number of the fleet was 142. At 30.5 tons weight, the class could be used on lines with severe weight limitations. They were used for general shunting and pilot duties and saw service on the Eastern, North Eastern and Southern Regions. The first four locomotives were fitted with running gear protection (side skirts) and cow catchers to enable them to operate on the Wisbech & Uphill Tramway and other former LNER lines with on-street running. All were withdrawn from the national network between 1968 and 1972, many being sold for industrial use. 18 of the class have been preserved as useful shunting engines on heritage lines and two remain in industrial use in Italy.

The Graham Farish N gauge model was introduced in 2007 and six versions have been made so far. The superb current one is 371-050B in BR green with wasp stripes, late decals and is numbered D2228.