Key Publishing has commissioned an exclusive limited edition modelling Porterbrook purple and white Class 47/8 47817 in ‘OO’ gauge. It is available to pre-order now.
Porterbrook purple and white Class 47/8 47817 is the latest limited edition model commission to be revealed by Key Publishing. The Heljan ‘OO’ gauge model is available to pre-order now from the Key Model World Shop with delivery expected in the third quarter of 2024.
Above: 47817 was the first InterCity Class 47/8 from the Virgin Trains pool to be repainted in privatisation. On May 12 1996 the Brush Type 4 prepares to depart Bristol Temple Meads. John Chalcraft/Railphotoprints.uk.
47817 started life on August 18 1964 as D1611 when it entered traffic at Landore Depot. It became 47032 in 1973 before becoming an Electric Train Heat fitted Class 47/4 in December 1986 carrying the number 47662. Three years later it moved into the Class 47/8 fleet with extended range fuel tanks which transferred to Porterbrook ownership at the beginning of British Rail privatisation.
The locomotive was the first ILRA (Virgin Trains Class 47/8 pool) Class 47 to be repainted from InterCity ‘Swallow’ colours when it gained a brand-new livery design from leasing company Porterbrook. The purple and white scheme stood out from the crowd and was later applied to 47807 as well.
Above and below: Side profile artwork for 47817 in its 1996-1998 Porterbrook purple and white.
The repaint lasted two years with 47817 gaining standard Virgin Trains red and charcoal colours in June 1998. It then continued in service until 2002 when it was selected for rebuilding as a Class 57/3 and became part of the Virgin Trains ‘Thunderbird’ pool. Its final number was 57311 which it gained on July 31 2003.
The new Class 47/8 limited edition uses the all-new tooling from Heljan and will be available DCC ready and DCC sound fitted – the latter with a sub-class specific sound created by Legomanbiffo with independent lighting controls as well as optional sound functions for alternative radiator fans and coach door slams.
Above: No. 1 end artwork for 47817 in Porterbrook purple and white.
Above: No. 2 end artwork for 47817 in Porterbrook purple and white.
Specification highlights for the ‘OO’ gauge include all-new tooling for the body and chassis, correct marker lights at each end, 47/8 long-range fuel tanks, cutaway buffer beams, sprung buffers, a powerful five-pole motor, twin flywheels and correct lighting features. The DCC sound fitted version will be equipped with an ESU sound decoder.
Delivery is expected in the third quarter of 2024 and pre-orders are open now. Prices are set at £249.95 DCC ready and £389.95 DCC sound fitted. You can reserve a model with a £10 non-refundable deposit today at the Key Model World Shop.
