Something for the slightly more modern Southern area modellers, in N Gauge, Graham Farish have released images of their livery samples of their forthcoming Class 319 EMUs. The models were first announced back in 2016 the 25th anniversary of Network South East, and now these livery images are released at the end of the week that marks the 30th anniversary, at least the models are now closer to production.
The Class 319 dual-voltage, four-car Electric Multiple Units were built by British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL) in York between 1987 and 1988 (Class 319/0) and 1990 (Class 319/1) for use on the north-south cross-London services, notably the then-new Thameslink service which commenced in May 1988 running between Bedford and Brighton. Entering traffic in Network SouthEast colours, the units later received Thameslink livery, and many have subsequently found use with other operators away from London including Northern Rail.
372-875 No. 319004 in the colourful Network SouthEast (Revised) livery of red, white and blue as the units would have been when fresh into traffic, this model is fitted with a Sprung Stone Faiveley pantograph.
372-876 The Thameslink franchise was operated by Thameslink (Govia) from 1997. The Class 319/1s built in 1990 were the only 319s to feature first class seating but this was quickly removed by Thameslink, following which the units were reclassified as Class 319/3s. No. 319382 depicts a typical Thameslink Class 319/3 in its bold blue and yellow livery and fitted with a Sprung Brecknell Willis pantograph.
372-877 As new trains were acquired for Thameslink services, many 319s found work away from London including twenty 319/3s with Northern Rail. Following light refurbishment, the units were decorated in Northern Electrics livery as carried by No. 319362 which is fitted with a Sprung Brecknell Willis pantograph.
The new model boasts an impressive specification with highly detailed bodyshells, underframes and bogies. Fitted with a sprung pantograph (Brecknell Willis or Stone Faiveley depending on the unit modelled) and with conductive couplings between each vehicle, just one Next18 Decoder is required for use on DCC. Installing a decoder is a simple process due to the easy-access decoder socket which is accessed by removing one of the underframe panels which is held in place by a single screw.
The powerful coreless motor is coupled to a flywheel, all of which is fitted into the underframe of the MSO vehicle meaning that all four vehicles have unobstructed interiors which are further enhanced by the interior lighting. The models feature switchable directional lighting, plus a pre-fitted speaker.
The Graham Farish Class 319 feature:
- Powerful Coreless motor
- Electrical pickup on all axles
- Sprung Pantograph
- Unobstructed interior view
- Integral conductive couplings between vehicles
- Multiple unit couplings at cab ends
- Directional & Internal lighting
- Next 18 DCC decoder socket
The three Graham Farish Class 319 models in N Gauge are available to pre-order from your usual stockist and should be available in early 2022.
They look fantastic, just need to get them in OO, oh and a GWR 769 😉
A hybrid 319-unit test move from Reading to Redhill (and back) yesterday – first move of its kind to Redhill? The hybrid conversions are AC /DC with diesel engines fitted.
The class 319 history will appear on BloodandCustard in due course – it is written but much work is still required to prepare the webpage with other unit-histories expected first.