HM209: Accurascale Class 31 for 'OO' gauge

British Rail’s long-lived Class 31 A1A-A1A diesel is the latest all-new ‘OO’ gauge project from Accurascale. Mike Wild and Mark Chivers talk about this eagerly-awaited new arrival - you can read the full review in HM209, on sale now.

[little_britain]

To be fair - they were built as ordered as a type 2 power classification, with the Mirrlees. It was subsequently discovered that what they really needed was a bit more power (responding to complaints that they were underpowered for the work that they ended up doing). The same Mirrlees engine was then uprated to a higher power output (to make it type 3). Then a problem of cracking crankcases was revealed - but I think it would be fair to say that is as a result of the uprating. Then the decision was taken to replace the power unit with the 12SVT English Electric unit (same as class 37 but slightly downrated).

[Madonsteamrailways]

This is the Accurascale model!! It’s got all the right features and the right lighting!!

[josefbuckland]

I think that Bachmann class 31 has this one beat but it’s still a great model and super seeing the 31 again. My TMC arrived a few weeks ago with a one of a kind surprise I can’t wait to share with you all in the mean time stay safe and all the best heading into the festive season.

[Madonsteamrailways]

Lovely Class 31!! They have one at the Epping Ongar Railway!! It’s a BR blue one.

[callumk]

The 31 isn’t my favourite loco but I ordered a couple for my 90s themed layout because it would be remiss not to have their presence. Since the first blue one arrived it hasn’t been off the layout and is so often pressed into service on something because the model performs so well and is such a character. It’s a superb model and one I’m very pleased with.

[jprp]

Hello i have to put to bed this argument about the door handles, having image searched a lot of real 31's i can say both are realistic angles, what i think has happened is that once closed the handle should be returned to a horizontal plane BUT in photographs they are often NOT you get a few at 45 degrees and a lot more at an angle closer to the horizontal but definitely not all horizontal, i don't know if this is due to lack of lubrication stopping it automatically returning or if the crew have simply not straightened it enough manually but i think it is safe to assume the prototype was scanned at that angle.

[mauricekerrigan]

Impossible to fit the enclosed snowploughs apparently (without major buffer beam detail for the glazing to drop out, fine detail to drop off, paint to flake off, derail on straight track (just like my Deltic did - before it caught fire and melted the PCB). That loco ended up in the bin. My Accurascale class 37 is currently away being repaired after it now only moves at a walking pace. Great if you're keeping them in a display cabinet - otherwise stick to Bachmann!

[johnbrown]

I have one. Very impressive as is that photographer on the platform. Can you say where I can buy him please ?😊

[andrewhotston]

Accurascale have admitted that their models are only really suitable for running on DCC - running them on analogue is a compromise, hence the warning inside the box not to use an old controller in case it fries the delicate electronic components.

[drevo]

Lovely model that looks right which the alternative one doesn't. Looking forward to my green liveried versions early next year.

[bobtudbury]

accurascale need to get their fingers out ..some of these 31's are down as in transit june!! shipped from where mercury? / some variants are not even in production yet . it crap i'm telling are not slow in coming for money though

[quotagious]

You forgot the High Dyke branch versions with tablet recess fitted