Graham Farish Pre-Owned 372-262 Class 47/7 47745'Royal London Society For The B
Graham Farish 372-262 Pre-Owned 372-262 Class 47/7 47745'Royal London Society For The Blind' Rail Express Systems Diesel Locomotive. Pre-Owned Item, in as new condition.
We are pleased to expand our range of Graham Farish models with this striking Class 47/7 No. 47745'Royal London Society for the Blind' in Rail Express Systems livery. This model features directional lighting and NEM couplings and is also equipped with a 6 Pin DCC decoder socket.
Pristine Rail Express Systems Livery. Equipped with a Next18 DCC Decoder Socket - Recommend Decoder item No. History Towards the end of the 1950s, British Railways began planning a second generation of diesel locomotives.
After investigating several prototypes, BR decided to place an order with Brush Engineering for 20 locomotives during February 1961. The resulting design became the iconic Brush Type 4 Diesel locomotive, practical, versatile design with a very distinctive cab. Powered with a Sulzer engine and initially rated at 2750hp, the locomotive could achieve a top speed of 75mph with a tractive effort of 55000lb. Building commenced in January 1962 and the first locomotive D1500 appeared in late September of the same year with test runs on the London Midland Region and Western Region.
The design was a success and BR went on to order a total of 512 with continuous production through to early 1967, forming the largest single class of main-line diesel locomotives in the UK. During this time and subsequent years, several variations appeared with an increase in speed and tractive effort to 95mph and 62000lb respectively. Originally fitted with four-character train head-codes, these changed to marker lights, with the addition of high-intensity lights and roof aerials in the late 1980s. Other variations involved the fitting of different types of steam heating boiler for early BR coaching stock, later replaced with electric train heating for use with modern rolling stock. The numbering system started with four figures but changed to five with the introduction of the TOPs coding system which saw the locomotives classified as Class 47 Diesels with variations such as 47/0, 47/2, 47/3, 47/4 and 47/7.
By the end of the 1990s, half of the Class 47 fleet had been withdrawn or scrapped, 33 have been converted into Class 57 locomotives and several have been preserved, including the original D1500, now numbered 47401. Please note this is not a guaranteed service and parcels may take longer to arrive.
Tracking information is provided once the parcel is handed over. There is no guarantee for same day dispatch. We will try and rectify any issues as quickly as possible. We aim to provide you with the very best service and great second hand model railway items. This is always very much appreciated! Not quite satisfied with your order? In operation for over 50 years, Rails of Sheffield has grown to become one of Europe's largest award winning model railway retailers and an industry leader. Despite five decades of growth and its transformation into an award-winning national and international retailer, Rails has seen rapid expansion in recent years. In 2022, to meet the increasing demand of the ever-growing model railway industry, Rails moved into larger warehouse and office spaces in Dronfield, Derbyshire. Their partnership with the National Railway Museum, Railway Icons and various manufacturers continues to flourish, with multiple exclusive locomotives and rolling stock being designed and developed throughout the year. Now, as we step into 2025, Rails remains the leading name in the model railway industry, with exciting plans for further expansion and continued dedication to serving model railway enthusiasts and hobbyists from South Yorkshire and beyond! A BRIEF HISTORY RAILS ORIGINS 1970. Working from the back of Hedley's shop on Holmesdale Road, Dronfield on the southern outskirts of Sheffield, interest grew steadily throughout the decade and by the early-1980s, Rails was a fixture at toy fairs and swap meets such as the regular Buxton Pavilion Fair.Between then and 2000, the team regularly attended thousands of events across the UK - building a loyal customer base. With a growing legion of regular customers building up, a'proper' shop was required, and Rails moved to Chesterfield Road in Heeley Bottom, a few doors away from the current shop. Rails moved to another shop on Chesterfield Road and established the first part of its permanent base. In 1996, the neighbouring shop unit was acquired and a period of rapid expansion followed. Rails then launched its first website and was pioneering online model railway retail for both new and second hand items.
The late-1990s also saw the growth of the'limited edition' business - with many exclusive liveries commissioned from major manufacturers. To feed this expanding business, the Barber family scoured the country (and sometimes further afield) acquiring model railway collections. A New Era - 2010. Sadly, Hedley Barber passed away on August 11th 2015, leaving his son John and grandsons Adam and Oliver and John's wife Tracy to manage the company he founded, with support of other family members and long serving staff. Remaining a family operated business, Rails continued to thrive in the late 2010s.A major milestone was the opening of the impressive show room in 2018, which features beautiful displays of popular locomotives and rolling stock frames amongst real Sheffield steel, stone walling and natural material. This was the catalyst for the refurbishment of the entire'front of house' shop now occupying five formerly separate units. Rails also branched out into the new areas such as commissioning its own exclusive model product under the new'Rails Limited' brand, bringing new model to the public such as the Stroudley'Terrier' steam locomotive with Dapol and North Eastern Railway Electric Autocrat with Heljan.
In 2021, Rails opened it all new purpose-built warehouse and offices in Dronfield. The multi-million pound development enable Rails to move all warehousing and administration to this new site to streamline the business and continue to provide customers with the top-tier service they had become accustomed to. In January 2024, Rails acquired Hatton's Model Railways following its unfortunate closure after many years. Committed to preserving the Hatton's legacy, Rails is integrating customers with the beloved Hatton's Directory & product database.
Later in 2024, Rails launched the Vintage Toy Shop, showcasing a treasure trove of rare collectables in Sheffield. Rails remains deeply connected to the South Yorkshire community it was established to serve. A True Home-grown Family Business.
Huge Range Check out our massive range of collectable model trains and sets. UK's leading retailer For Model Railways, die cast and collectables. 50+ years A true home-grown family business in operation for over 50 years. Check out our social media pages to keep up to date with all things Rails.