GAUGE ‘OO’ MODEL Accurascale ACC2742 Class 31 5544, BR blue PRICE £169.99 (DCC-ready), £269.99 (DCC sound) AVAILABILITY Accurascale stockists Web www.accurascale.com

First revealed in 2022 and greeted with much excitement, especially by those unsatisfied with the existing models on offer, the first of Accurascale’s Class 31 models were very close to arriving as this issue closed for press.

As with the production of the manufacturer’s Class 37, the models will arrive in waves, led by a raft of BR Rail blue versions. Post-sectorisation era and BR green versions (including original style Class 30s) will follow, with Model Rail’s forthcoming exclusive version of 31116 RAIL Celebrity among them.

Received for review is 5544 in early 1970s pre-TOPS condition, wearing numerals in the ‘corporate’ font and double arrows on each cab side. Both the original disc headcode and re-styled design with the rooftop four-character displays are being produced, with our sample featuring the later arrangement. Supplied with a set of pre ‐installed headcodes at each end, a large sheet of alternatives is supplied (including ‘0000’ displays) to ease customisation.

Key details accurately portray the prototype in its pre ‐refurbishment condition, including a steam heating boiler exhaust port, access steps and recessed water filler, cab front communication doors, raised waist-level beading strip and bufferbeam cowling. Additionally, the supplied bufferbeam detailing parts and mounting hole configuration are also correct, with an array of control hoses, vacuum brake and steam heat pipes (the locomotive had not yet received air brake gear at this time).

OVERALL PACKAGE

Supplied in Accurascale’s customary high-quality, foam-lined packaging, the model comes with extensive instructions and an attractive user’s manual that provides a historical overview of the class, plus an entertaining driver’s testimonial, offering a first-hand account of working on the real things. The inclusion of contemporary Brush and Mirrlees advertisements is a lovely touch.