Our new production run of our beautiful Class 31s is just a few weeks away from landing in our warehouse!
However, we already have the next production run lined up to follow it, due to the incredible demand for our Brush Type 2s.
The main production range will be revealed in the coming weeks, but we thought we would unveil our “Accurascale Exclusive” model from this run first — a true triple grey era celebrity!
Welcome to 31160 “Phoenix”!
31160 History
By the launch of the iconic Roundel-designed Railfreight scheme in October 1987, around 30 Class 31s were allocated to the FGWC pool at Tinsley for Speedlink wagonload services.
However, with the fleet only recently refurbished at Doncaster Works and Railfreight Distribution looking to standardise on Class 37 and 47 motive power, there was no hurry to repaint them in the new image.
Following serious fire damage to 31160, the South Yorkshire depot resurrected and outshopped the Brush machine in November 1989 with a full repaint into the new scheme, complete with RfD markings, making it instantly unique.
Typically for Tinsley, the makeover was wildly different from any of the other Railfreight repaints undertaken around the same time for the Coal, Construction, and Petroleum sectors. This included large TOPS numbers, a distinctive style of black window surrounds, and the positioning of the body break line between the two shades of grey.
This was all finished off with red bufferbeams. Its one-off appearance was compounded just a few days later when the former D5578 was given the unofficial — but very appropriate — name Phoenix, painted over the squadron symbol with a representation of the mythical bird surrounded by flames.
Sadly, within a year Tinsley’s Class 31 fleet had been transferred away, and 31160 was stripped back to its basic triple grey scheme for a new life in the Crewe Diesel departmental pool. It was eventually stored unserviceable in March 1996 and was scrapped at Wigan CRDC in June 1999.
The Model
Despite its short lifespan in typical Tinsley condition, the livery on this locomotive became iconic and a firm favourite among enthusiasts of the day. We felt it must be celebrated, and as a result have brought this legend back in model form.
As per our well-established, industry-leading standards for fidelity, specification, and value, our Class 31 features our full suite of lighting arrangements, a wealth of detail, excellent sound specification for sound-fitted models, and accurate detailing specific to the prototype being modelled. It also includes a working rotating fan, flange squeal hall sensors for automatic digital sound functionality on curves, ESU Loksound DCC decoders in sound fitted models, a wealth of separately applied parts, and an accurate rendition of this legendary BR livery using the correct colour codes from the BR Corporate Style Handbook.
All of this is complemented by special presentation packaging and a certificate as part of any “Accurascale Exclusive” release.
Pricing starts from £184.95 for the DC/DCC-ready variant and £284.95 for the DCC Sound locomotive, matching our current pricing structure. Delivery is slated for Q1 2027, with production commencing in late Spring.
Pre-order yours direct by clicking the link below for no money down, or use our flexible payment options to pay in instalments at no extra cost between now and delivery.
