Class 20 306 DRS Blue (DCC-Sound)

Class 20 306 DRS Blue (DCC-Sound)

Details:

The Graham Farish Class 20/3 20306 in pristine DRS Blue is a highly detailed N Scale model of the distinctive diesel locomotives created for Direct Rail Services from 1995. Produced using all-new tooling for the Class 20/3 bodyshells and solebars, this model accurately captures the changes made to the real locomotives during the Class 20/3 refurbishment programme. This SOUND FITTED version features a pre-installed 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 with two flywheels, all-axle drive and electrical pickup from all wheels provide the locomotive's detailed mechanism, complemented by working lighting and extensive separately fitted detail.

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 gearing is arranged for prototypical running speeds and haulage capabilities, while the 9mm N Gauge wheels conform to NEM310 standards and the bogie-mounted coupling pockets conform to NEM355 standards. Fine detailing 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. The model also includes a full set of model-specific bufferbeam pipework and accessory parts.

The SOUND FITTED model is supplied with a Zimo MS590N18 DCC Sound Decoder and installed speaker. The sound files have been produced specifically for the Graham Farish Class 20 using recordings from real locomotives, while the model operates on both DCC and analogue control as supplied. Working lighting can be switched on or off at either end on DCC or analogue control, with authentic light colours and temperatures selected according to the model's era and application.

Features:

• Graham Farish N Scale Class 20/3
• Running number 20306 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.