Graham Farish has announced the first ready-to-run N-gauge models of the distinctive British Rail Class 20/3 diesel locomotive.
Revealed ahead of the 2026 International N Gauge Show, the newly tooled models represent the 15 locomotives rebuilt for Direct Rail Services from 1995 onwards. These modernised “Choppers” went on to work nuclear traffic, infrastructure trains, intermodal services, railhead treatment trains and occasional passenger duties.
The initial range will feature four models in Direct Rail Services blue and the striking orange livery of the Harry Needle Railroad Company. Graham Farish has developed several tooling variations to recreate differences between the first five Class 20/3 conversions and the ten locomotives rebuilt later, including their jumper sockets, marker lights and cab-end aerials.
Detailed specification for N-gauge modellers
Underneath the highly detailed body is the new chassis previously introduced with the company’s Scottish Class 20/0. Its specification includes a coreless motor with twin flywheels, all-axle drive, electrical pickup from all eight wheels and a die-cast metal chassis.
The models will also feature a Next18 DCC decoder socket, pre-fitted speaker and directional lighting. Sound-fitted editions will use a Zimo decoder with recordings taken from real Class 20 locomotives.
Fine details include metal handrails, turned-metal buffer heads, an etched-brass roof fan grille, separately fitted fuel tanks and battery boxes, detailed bogies and a model-specific selection of buffer-beam accessories.
Production is already nearing completion, with delivery expected during late 2026. Standard models will be priced at £174.95, while sound-fitted versions will cost £284.95.
For modern-image N-gauge modellers, the arrival of the Class 20/3 adds another distinctive locomotive with a remarkably varied operating history to the Graham Farish range.
Image: Bachmann Europe. Information and photography courtesy of Bachmann. Read the original Bachmann announcement.
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