Graham Farish Class 319

Arguably the N gauge scene has a larger range of modern multiple units than OO gauge, and this is further added to with Graham Farish’s Class 319 model.

The launch models include 319004 in revised Network SouthEast livery, suiting the early life of the units from 1987 to 1996 for its Thameslink service from Bedford to South London and Brighton destinations. Following privatisation, 319382 sports Thameslink dark blue and orange for the 1996 to 2006 period as the second product.

Thirdly, as reviewed here, the Northern Electric livery for services from Liverpool to North West England destinations within the Northern franchise in the all-over purple livery worn from 2015 to 2016. This is before adoption of the white and purple graphics on units after they were displaced by the introduction of Class 700 units for Thameslink services.

What we like:

1. The replication of the livery on the model is quite superb, with tidy masking of the yellow warning panels at the cab ends, stunning miniscule warning and information signs around the passenger doors and aluminium surrounded windows, which are impressively neat as well as replicating the metallic finish.
2. In terms of shape, the model captures the look of the class very well after revisions were made following the first EP samples shown. Bachmann listened to the feedback along with its own observations and delivered improvements.
3. The 319/3 numbered variants, which lost their first-class area when converted from Class 319/1 (denoting the later 1990 build of a further 26 units), show visible external difference from the Network Southeast 319/0 (of the 1987/8 build of 60 units) with a fibreglass/plastic composite air dam instead of the original metal plate dam – a small difference but it does show attention to variations.
4. The Class 319 model is fitted with a posable Stone-Faiveley pantograph, which is a good representation of the type, bar the wire from the elbow to give a degree of springing. It feels robust enough for normal handling, despite the finesse necessary in this scale. It is genuinely posable and retains the set position well – something some 4mm:1ft scale models of electric locomotives and units have failed to achieve.
5. The running qualities of the model are excellent with faultless pick-up, smooth and very quiet running and an impressive light display.

What we noticed:

The outer ends of the unit are fitted with a functioning representation of a MU coupling, which is a simple push fit and can easily be separated again, although it leaves a greater than scale spacing between the units.

There are several more livery permutations available for future release potential and it will be enjoyable to see these impressive models in action on exhibition layouts.