Class 20 098 BR Blue Diesel Locomotive (DCC-Sound)

Class 20 098 BR Blue Diesel Locomotive (DCC-Sound)

1:148 scale model produced by Graham Farish. This model is ready-to-run straight out of the box and would make a excellent addition to any model railway collection.

Features:

• DCC Sound Model
• This model mainly operates in Britain
• Decorated in BR company markings
• Best suited to 264mm radius curves
• Headcode Discs
• Large Cab Side Windows (Scottish)
• Tablet Catcher Recess
• Drilled Bogie Equalising Beams
• Four Sandboxes per Bogie
• Original Battery Boxes
• Round Oleo Buffers

Details

The British Rail Class 20, also known as the English Electric Type 1, was introduced under British Railways’ 1955 Modernisation Plan to replace steam locomotives on light freight duties. Built between 1957 and 1968 by English Electric, a total of 228 locomotives were produced, making it the most numerous of the early Type 1 designs.

Designed primarily for freight work, the Class 20 featured a single cab and an output of 1,000hp. Limited forward visibility when running cab-first led to locomotives often being paired nose to nose, improving both visibility and operational flexibility.

Known for their reliability, the class earned the nickname “Choppers” due to their distinctive exhaust sound. They became a common sight across the British network, especially on coal, trip and engineering services.

Withdrawals began in the late 1980s as freight operations declined, but many locomotives continued in service under private operators. Several examples remain active today on infrastructure and heritage duties, ensuring the Class 20 remains a popular and highly recognisable choice for model railway enthusiasts.