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Class 14

Class 15 BTH

Class 16

Class 17 Clayton

Class 20 EE Type 1

Class 21

Class 22

Class 23 'Baby Deltic'

Class 24 Derby Type 2

Class 25 Derby Type 2

Class 26

Class 27

Class 28

Class 29

Class 30 Brush Type 2

Class 31 Brush Type 2

Class 33 BRCW Type 3

Class 35 'Hymek'

Class 37 EE Type 3

Class 40 EE Type 4

Class 41 'Warship'

Class 42 'Warship'

Class 43 'Warship'

Class 44 'Peak'

Class 45

Class 46

Class 47 Brush Type 4

Class 48 Brush Type 4

Class 50 EE Type 5

Class 52 'Western'

Class 53 'Falcon'

Class 55 'Deltic'

Class 56

Class 57

Class 58

Class 59

Class 60

Class 66

Class 67

Class 68

Class 70

The 2007 Bachmann model

The Brush Type 4 became ubiquitous on British Rail with 512 examples built (including the Class 48 variant), hauling all types of traffic. Although they got off to a bad start with cooling issues and crankcase problems leading to oil leaks in the engine room, they eventually settled down on all regions of BR except the Southern. They were built between 1962 and 1968 by Brush at Loughborough and at BR's Crewe works. Originally numbered D1100-D1111, D1500-D1999, they became Class 47 under TOPS with numerous sub-classes. In 1998, thirty-three were converted to Class 57. As can be expected with a long lived class of this number, many alterations,  variations and liveries have appeared, making it an ideal subject for manufacturers. Withdrawals started in earnest in 1980, but as of 2022, some 51 still remain in service with 32 preserved.

It took a long time before a model of the Class 47 appeared in 1975, with Hornby (Tri-ang) eventually obliging with rather a crude toy like model. The model was spoilt with body issues, notably the two horizontal lines moulded into the bodysides, perhaps to aid with painting the two tone green versions. Running was not brilliant with either with the Ringfield motor bogie. The model improved later with the removal of these lines from the body, except around the cab!

Lima later produced a better model in 1987, still not 100%, but a vast improvement. It was offered in many livery variations and a number of detailing kits were offered by the likes of Shawplan, A1 Models to improve the looks. The Lima tooled model is still available in the Hornby Railroad range.

Heljan then produced their version of the Class 47 in 2002, which was a much better runner with it's heavy die cast chassis and centrally mounted motor driving both bogies, but curiously not the centre axles! Unfortunately, Heljan had made the body slightly too wide, which was made more obvious by the bogie side frames being a little too close together. Measuring the body against drawings, it seems Heljan may have taken the overall width over handrails as the measurement rather than just the body! It is a pleasing model though and is still available. Variants with the two styles of cooler group are offered, original and the later Serck type with the opening louvres.

Bachmann also offered a Class 47 with the two cooler group varieties in 2007. Bachmanns offering seems to be a retro re-tooled version of their Class 57! The cab windscreen surrounds have rivets visible, which are not present on a Class 47, but are on the 57. However, it is a very good model and has a centrally mounted motor driving all wheels on both bogies. It is the Bachmann version I operate fitted with DCC Sound. Again, the original factory sound was more like a Class 24 to my ears, so I had it re-blown by Howe's. It now sounds better, but not great. It will be re-blown again by Legomanbiffo whose version of the sound is much better.

ViTrains offered their version of the Class 47 in 2009 from completely new tooling. It was a fair model at a reasonable price, but somehow seemed lacking.

In January 2018, Heljan announced they were going to produce a retooled Class 47. This will hopefully correct some of the issues with their previous version.

In January 2022, Bachmann offered their newly retooled version of the Class 47. This version is a completely new tool and certainly looks the better for it. There are two levels on offer, the basic and de-luxe version. The de-luxe version even features the distinctive purple coloured tinted windows. The basic model was launched at £239 and a sound fitted deluxe version costing up to £354! (2022 RRP). At those prices I think I'll stick with my old versions.

Hornby released their model of a Class 47 in 1975. This was upgraded in 1983, notably with the removal of the body side ribs, but not around the cab. The Lima model was released in 1987. Heljan released their 'too wide' version in 2002. In 2006, Hornby released the former Lima model with an improved drive train. The Bachmann Class 47 was released in 2007. A further release by Bachmann in 2008 covered more variants. ViTrains were next with their model in 2009. In 2022, Bachmann released a newly tooled version to a higher standard. In 2023, Heljan released their newly tooled version of the Class 47.