Class 20 310 DRS Blue (DCC-Sound)

Class 20 310 DRS Blue (DCC-Sound)

Details:

The Graham Farish Class 20/3 20310 in pristine DRS Blue is a highly detailed N Scale model of the distinctive diesel locomotives created for Direct Rail Services from 1995 onwards. Produced using all-new tooling for the Class 20/3 bodyshells and solebars, the model accurately captures the modifications made to the prototype fleet during its refurbishment. This SOUND FITTED version is equipped with a Zimo MS590N18 DCC Sound Decoder, with sound files produced specifically for the Graham Farish Class 20 using recordings from real locomotives. A coreless twin-shaft motor, two flywheels, all-axle drive and electrical pickup from all wheels provide the model's detailed mechanism, while working lights and extensive separately applied detailing complete this modern-era N Gauge locomotive.

The Graham Farish Class 20/3 features a coreless twin-shaft motor with two flywheels providing drive to both bogies, all-axle drive, electrical pickup from all wheels and a diecast metal chassis block. The model has 9mm N Gauge wheels manufactured to NEM310 standards and NEM355-standard bogie-mounted coupling pockets. Detailed bodywork includes precision-moulded rivets, panels and bodyside louvres, fully detailed bogies with suspension and brake components, separately fitted cab steps, sandboxes with metal sand pipes, buffers, solebar steps, front grab irons, battery boxes, tanks and chassis pipework.

An etched roof fan grille, metal wire handrails and cab interior detailing add further realism. Working main head and tail lights and prototype-dependent top marker lights can be switched at either end on DCC or analogue control. The installed Zimo MS590N18 decoder provides realistic sound from recordings of real Class 20 locomotives, with SOUND FITTED models supplied ready for DCC or analogue operation.

Features:

• Graham Farish N Scale Class 20/3
• Running number 20310 in pristine DRS Blue livery
• SOUND FITTED with Zimo MS590N18 DCC Sound Decoder
• All-new Class 20/3 bodyshell and solebar tooling
• Multiple working jumper sockets at both ends
• BMAC light clusters with high-level marker lights
• Drilled bogie equalising beams

Measurements & Specs:

• Length: 104mm over couplings
• Minimum radius: 263.5mm (second radius)

Historical Background

The Class 20 originated from British Railways Board's 1955 Modernisation Plan. Introduced as the English Electric Type 1, the design proved highly successful and became BR's standard Type 1 diesel locomotive, with 228 examples built between 1957 and 1968. The locomotives were principally designed for freight work, but their single-cab configuration meant they were commonly operated in pairs, nose to nose, to provide the additional power required for heavier trains.

Following the gradual withdrawal of the Class 20 fleet, Direct Rail Services acquired 15 locomotives from RFS, which had been using them for track-laying trains associated with the Channel Tunnel project. A refurbishment programme was established, with the first five locomotives refurbished by Brush at Loughborough and numbered 20301 to 20305. These entered traffic by 1996.

A further ten Class 20/3 locomotives were created in 1998, with the work undertaken by Wabtec at Doncaster. Numbered 20306 to 20315, this second batch differed from the first five by having multiple working jumper sockets at both ends and a top marker light at either end. 20310 is one of these second-batch Class 20/3 locomotives and is represented by this Graham Farish model with its corresponding model-specific details.

The Class 20/3 fleet was primarily used by DRS on nuclear traffic, but also saw service on freight, infrastructure and intermodal workings. The locomotives have additionally been used for route learning, Railhead Treatment Trains, diverted passenger services and charter trains.