Graham Farish Class 46 completes ‘Three Peaks Challenge’
Date: 30 March 2006
Source: Graham Farish
Graham Farish have released the Class 46 ‘Peak’ diesel which completes the trio of 1-Co – Co-1 locomotives which formed the ‘Peak’ classes.
Initially 76 locomotives were ordered from BR Derby Works but this was subsequently reduced to 56 examples before the first locomotive emerged in 1961. They were almost identical to the final Class 45 locomotives but there were minor differences to the bodyside grilles and to the battery box with the final locomotive being delivered in 1963.
The cancelled order for the other 20 locomotives was added to the orders for Brush Type 4 (later Class 47) locomotives. Allocated to both Derby and Gateshead for Cross Country work between the North East and the West Country via the Midlands, the class were numbered initially in the series D138 – D193. After adoption of the TOPS (Total Operating Processing System) numbering in 1971 they became Class 46 (numbers 46001 – 46056).
The introduction of HSTs (High Speed Trains) on to the Cross Country network and the availability of other locomotives released by HST workings elsewhere resulted in the first locomotive being withdrawn in December 1977. Four of the class were transferred to The Railway Technical Centre at Derby to become part of the test and research fleet.
One of these locomotives, No. 46009 saw it achieve brief fame when it was remotely driven into a nuclear flask in the full glare of media publicity to show the strength of the nuclear flasks which were causing considerable concern at the time. Needless to say the locomotive was scrapped immediately after the event although the nuclear flask was unharmed!
The last of the class was withdrawn in November 1984 and three examples have been preserved.
Graham Farish have released two versions of the locomotive. They are No. D163 ‘The Leicestershire & Derbyshire Yeomanry’ in BR green livery (Catalogue Number 371-585) and 46053 in the later BR blue livery (Catalogue Number 371-586).
Both models have a Recommended Retail Price of £76.95. The locomotives have a super-detailed body, 5 pole motor with twin flywheels, 6 wheel drive and are fitted with standard N gauge couplings.
The models will be available from Bachmann dealers during May.
GF 2006-13
