Class 04 Diesel Shunter to join Graham Farish locomotive roster
Date: 25 January 2006
Source: Graham Farish
Bachmann Europe PLC announced today (25th January 2006) that a Class 04 diesel shunter is to be introduced as part of its Graham Farish N gauge range.
After the war, the development of diesel shunting locomotives continued in an effort to improve efficiency and remove steam traction from large yards in the middle of towns and cities. At that time the mixture of smoke and fog created poor visibility and was harmful to health. The need to clean up the environment had never been greater.
Whilst the larger shunters such as the Class 08 were able to deal with most requirements, there existed in the 1950s a much larger network than today. Some of the docks, factories and other facilities served had lines with tight curvature and it was necessary to introduce smaller locomotives which could work them. One such locomotive was the Class 04.
A total of 140 locomotives to a Drewry design were built by the Vulcan Foundry and Robert, Stephenson & Hawthorn between 1952 and 1962. Widespread closure of lines and the move away from wagonload working to block trains for freight resulted in much of the work being lost. The first locomotive was withdrawn in 1968, the last in 1972. Many went on to be sold to industrial users at home and in Italy. Eighteen examples have been preserved for use on heritage railways.
Two versions feature in the 2006 catalogue; D2280 in British Railways green and D2294 in British Rail blue. The recommended retail price is £42.95.
GF 2006-8
