BR Railfreight Class 31 237 Diesel Locomotive

BR Railfreight Class 31 237 Diesel Locomotive

1:120 scale model produced by Hornby TT:120. This model is ready-to-run straight out of the box and would make a excellent addition to any model railway collection.

Features:

• Analogue DC Model
• This model mainly operates in Britain
• Decorated in BR company markings
• Best suited to 365mm radius curves
• Highly detailed model of BR Class 31/1 diesel-electric locomotive
• Individually numbered locomotive: 31237
• Authentic Railfreight red stripe livery with printed markings
• Fine bodyshell detailing including roof fan, grilles, and underframe equipment
• Designed for smooth and reliable mixed freight operation

Details

Add classic Sectorisation-era diesel freight power to your layout with the Hornby TT:120 BR Railfreight Class 31/1, running number 31237. This highly detailed model represents the Brush Type 2 locomotive in its distinctive Railfreight red stripe livery, capturing the look of British Rail’s freight-focused operations during the 1980s and early 1990s.

The Class 31 was introduced in 1957 as part of British Railways’ Modernisation Plan, with 263 locomotives built by Brush Traction. Designed as a versatile mixed-traffic diesel, the class quickly proved itself across freight, passenger, and departmental duties. By the Sectorisation era, many locomotives were transferred to Railfreight divisions and repainted into sub-sector liveries, including the iconic red stripe design used for general freight operations.

This model depicts locomotive 31237 in Railfreight livery, representing its later BR career during the freight sector period. It is ideal for Era 8 layouts and brings authentic 1980s freight operations to TT:120 layouts.

This model features finely moulded bodyshell detailing, accurately reproduced A1A-A1A wheel arrangement, and separately applied components that capture the characteristic Brush Type 2 design. Its versatility makes it suitable for both freight and secondary passenger duties.

It pairs naturally with hopper wagons, MEA steel carriers, tank wagons, and intermodal freight stock, making it ideal for realistic Sectorisation-era freight formations.

Historical Background

The Class 31 was developed by Brush Traction for British Railways’ diesel pilot scheme and entered service in 1957. Originally intended for mixed-traffic duties, the class became widely used across the network due to its adaptability and reliability.

During the 1980s Sectorisation period, many Class 31 locomotives were allocated to Railfreight divisions and repainted into sub-sector liveries such as red stripe, Petroleum, and Coal. Locomotive 31237 represents this later phase of service, when the class played a key role in UK freight operations during the transition toward privatisation.