About Graham Farish
Graham Farish: Britain's Premier N Gauge Model Railway Brand Graham Farish stands as one of the most respected names in British model railways, representing nearly a century of heritage in miniature railway modelling. From its origins as a radio parts manufacturer in Dorset to becoming the UK's leading supplier of N gauge ready-to-run products, Graham Farish has earned the loyalty of generations of railway modelling enthusiasts. At Grocefully, we help you compare Graham Farish prices across UK retailers, ensuring you find the best deals on these precision-engineered model railway products. The Origins of Graham Farish The Graham Farish story begins in 1928 when the company was founded in Poole, Dorset, originally as a manufacturer of radio parts and kits. The company established itself during the golden age of radio, when home wireless sets were transforming entertainment and communication across Britain. The transition to model railways came in the late 1940s, following the end of World War II. As the demand for radio sets dropped in the post-war period, the company sought new opportunities and found them in the booming model railway hobby. The timing proved fortuitous, as returning servicemen and a new generation of enthusiasts were hungry for quality model railway products. The Early Years of Model Railway Production Graham Farish entered the model railway business with British OO gauge products in the early 1950s. The company manufactured track, wagons, and various supporting items, building a reputation for quality and attention to detail that would define the brand for decades to come. The early 1950s were a particularly creative period for the company. The Graham Farish Coronation figures, sculpted by Russell Gammage in 1953 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, became highly sought-after collector's items that remain prized by enthusiasts today. These and other obscure items from this era demonstrate the company's willingness to explore diverse product lines within the hobby market. Throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, Graham Farish continued to develop its OO gauge range whilst building expertise in precision manufacturing that would prove invaluable when the company moved into N gauge production. The Move to N Gauge Graham Farish's transition to N gauge would prove to be the most significant decision in the company's history. N gauge, with its 9mm track gauge and typical scale of 1:148 in the UK, offers significant advantages for railway modellers, particularly those with limited space. The smaller scale allows enthusiasts to create more expansive layouts in smaller spaces, with longer train runs and more realistic scenery proportions. For modellers in typical British homes, where spare bedrooms and garden sheds serve as layout spaces, N gauge opened possibilities that the larger OO gauge simply couldn't match. Graham Farish embraced N gauge wholeheartedly, developing an extensive range of British prototype locomotives, coaches, and wagons. By the late 1990s, the Graham Farish N Gauge range had grown to encompass 350 product lines, including a remarkable variety of locomotives, coaches, wagons, buildings, and complete train sets. The range catered to all levels of the hobby, from starter sets designed to introduce newcomers to model railways all the way up to ambitious offerings like the eight-foot by two-and-a-half-foot Magnum Layouts that provided serious modellers with extensive pre-built track configurations. The Bachmann Era The year 2001 marked a watershed moment for Graham Farish. The Kader Group of Hong Kong, through its subsidiary Bachmann Industries, acquired the company. This acquisition brought Graham Farish into one of the world's largest model railway organisations, with access to resources and manufacturing capabilities that the independent Poole-based company could never have achieved alone. The transition wasn't without disruption. Bachmann closed the Poole facility and moved production to China, a decision that initially concerned some enthusiasts. However, Bachmann immediately set about addressing one of the traditional criticisms of Graham Farish products – occasional issues with model robustness. The new owners undertook a comprehensive programme to redesign and reintroduce the entire range. This refresh touched every aspect of the product line, improving detail, reliability, and running characteristics whilst maintaining the essentially British character that had always defined Graham Farish. The result was a transformation. Today, Graham Farish is recognised as the biggest supplier of N gauge ready-to-run products in the United Kingdom, offering enthusiasts a comprehensive range that continues to expand with new releases each year. Understanding N Gauge To appreciate Graham Farish products fully, it helps to understand the N gauge standard and its place in the model railway hobby. N gauge refers to the track gauge – the distance between the rails – which measures 9mm. The 'N' originally stood for 'nine millimetres', though some suggest it represents 'narrow' in comparison to the larger OO and O gauges. In the UK, N gauge models are typically built to 1:148 scale, meaning the model is 148 times smaller than the real thing. This differs slightly from the 1:160 scale used in continental Europe and North America, reflecting the slightly smaller British loading gauge and the desire to maintain accurate proportions for British prototype models. The compact nature of N gauge offers several advantages. Layouts can include longer trains, more sweeping curves, and more realistic distances between features. A branch line terminus that would require an entire room in OO gauge might fit comfortably on a single baseboard in N gauge. However, the smaller scale also presents challenges. Detail is more difficult to achieve and appreciate, and the smaller mechanisms in locomotives require greater precision in manufacture. These challenges are precisely where Graham Farish's expertise and Bachmann's manufacturing capabilities combine to deliver products that satisfy demanding enthusiasts. The Graham Farish Product Range Today's Graham Farish range covers virtually every aspect of British railway modelling in N gauge, from steam era locomotives to modern multiple units. Steam Locomotives The steam locomotive range celebrates the diversity of British railway history. Graham Farish produces models representing all the major pre-grouping companies, the 'Big Four' companies of the grouping era, and British Railways standard designs. From humble tank engines that worked branch lines and industrial sidings to magnificent express locomotives that hauled named trains at speed, the range captures the romance and variety of British steam. Popular models include representations of Great Western Railway designs, London and North Eastern Railway streamlined locomotives, and the various British Railways standard classes. Each locomotive features finely rendered detail appropriate to the scale, with separately fitted parts, accurate liveries, and smooth-running mechanisms that allow reliable operation on layouts of all sizes. Diesel and Electric Locomotives The transition from steam to diesel and electric traction transformed British railways from the 1950s onwards, and Graham Farish's range reflects this revolution comprehensively. The diesel locomotive range includes representatives from every era, from the pioneer designs of the 1950s through the workhorses of the 1970s and 1980s to modern traction still working on Britain's railways today. Class 08 shunters, Class 37 and Class 47 mixed traffic locomotives, Class 66 freight haulers, and many others are available. Electric locomotive models capture both the third-rail Southern Region fleet and the overhead-powered locomotives of the West Coast Main Line and other routes. These models often feature working lighting and other details that bring them to life on the layout. Multiple Units Britain's railways increasingly rely on multiple unit trains for both passenger and some freight services. Graham Farish has developed an extensive range of diesel and electric multiple units covering designs from across the decades. From heritage diesel multiple units still operating on preserved railways to the latest intercity and commuter designs, the range allows modellers to recreate virtually any era of British multiple unit operation. The models typically feature interior lighting options and accurate liveries representing various train operating companies. Coaching Stock No railway layout is complete without coaches, and Graham Farish offers an extensive range of passenger stock from all eras. Mark 1 coaches in various configurations, Mark 2 air-conditioned stock, and modern Mark 3 and Mark 4 vehicles are all available. The coaches feature detailed interiors visible through window glazing, accurate bogies and running gear, and the option for interior lighting. Sets are available pre-assembled or coaches can be purchased individually to build up specific train formations. Freight Stock The variety of freight vehicles on Britain's railways has always been remarkable, and Graham Farish captures this diversity with hundreds of different wagon types. From traditional wooden-bodied vehicles of the steam era to modern container flats and tank wagons, the range covers the full spectrum of British freight traffic. Wagons are available in numerous liveries representing private owners, railway companies, and modern freight operators. Many feature separate loads, opening doors, or other working features that add interest and realism to freight trains. Train Sets For those new to the hobby or looking for a complete package, Graham Farish offers a range of train sets that include everything needed to get started. These sets typically include a locomotive, coaches or wagons, track to form an oval, a controller, and often additional accessories. Sets are available at various price points, from entry-level offerings designed to introduce newcomers to the hobby through to more comprehensive packages for those wanting to start with more ambitious layouts. Track and Accessories Beyond rolling stock, Graham Farish produces a comprehensive track system and various accessories. The track range includes curves of various radii, points (switches), crossings, and specialty items like turntables. The range also extends to buildings, signals, figures, and other scenic accessories that help modellers create realistic layouts. These items are designed to work together cohesively, allowing layouts to be built with consistent quality throughout. Quality and Detail Modern Graham Farish products represent a remarkable achievement in miniature engineering. Despite the small scale, models feature incredible detail that rewards close examination. Locomotives include separately fitted details like handrails, lamp irons, and crew figures. Liveries are reproduced with careful attention to research, ensuring that models accurately represent specific prototypes from specific periods. Running numbers, names plates, and other details are rendered with impressive clarity. The mechanisms inside locomotives have been developed to provide smooth, reliable operation at realistic speeds. Many models feature five-pole motors and flywheels for smooth running, with all-wheel drive and pickup for reliable performance even on layouts with challenging trackwork. Digital command control (DCC) compatibility is now standard across the range, with most locomotives available as either analogue-ready or factory-fitted with DCC decoders. Sound-fitted models bring an additional dimension of realism, with authentic locomotive sounds adding atmosphere to operation. Building a Layout with Graham Farish The comprehensive nature of the Graham Farish range makes it possible to build complete layouts using only their products. From track and rolling stock to buildings and figures, everything needed to create a realistic miniature railway is available. For newcomers, starting with a train set provides immediate running capability. The supplied track oval can then be extended with additional track pieces, points, and sidings to create a more interesting layout over time. More experienced modellers might prefer to design their layout from scratch, selecting track pieces to match their available space and operational preferences. The variety of Graham Farish track allows layouts of many configurations, from simple ovals to complex layouts featuring branch lines, goods yards, and engine facilities. The scale advantage of N gauge allows ambitious projects that wouldn't be practical in larger scales. A representation of a main line junction, complete with through lines, platforms, and goods facilities, becomes achievable in a spare bedroom. A branch line complete with intermediate stations can fit on a single baseboard. Why Choose Graham Farish? Several factors make Graham Farish the first choice for many British N gauge modellers. The range is comprehensive, allowing entire layouts to be equipped without mixing brands. This consistency ensures that couplings, track standards, and aesthetic qualities remain uniform across the layout. The quality is high, with modern manufacturing techniques delivering models that satisfy even demanding enthusiasts. The investment in retooling and redesigning the range under Bachmann ownership has paid dividends in product quality. The heritage is authentic. Graham Farish's long history in British model railways means the range is designed by people who understand British railway practice and British modellers' expectations. The products look right because they're designed by people who know what right looks like. The support network is strong. As part of the Bachmann family, Graham Farish benefits from comprehensive dealer support, spare parts availability, and customer service resources that smaller manufacturers cannot match. Comparing Graham Farish Prices One of the key benefits of shopping for Graham Farish products through Grocefully is the ability to compare prices across UK retailers. Model railway products can vary significantly in price between retailers, and promotional offers can make timing purchases advantageous. Graham Farish products are available through specialist model railway retailers, general hobby shops, and some major retailers. Prices for the same products can differ by meaningful amounts, particularly for more expensive items like locomotives. Grocefully helps identify the best current prices, allowing enthusiasts to stretch their hobby budgets further. Whether you're looking for a specific locomotive to complete a fleet or seeking the best value starter set as a gift, price comparison ensures you don't pay more than necessary. The Future of Graham Farish Graham Farish continues to develop and expand under Bachmann's stewardship. Each year brings announcements of new models, with 2025 seeing the addition of Great Western Railway Hall and Modified Hall Class locomotives to the range. The brand balances attention to heritage – producing models of classic British locomotives that enthusiasts have long requested – with recognition that modern railways also deserve representation. The result is a range that appeals to modellers interested in any era of British railway history. Investment in tooling continues, with new locomotives, coaches, and wagons regularly supplementing the existing range. This ongoing development ensures that Graham Farish remains at the forefront of British N gauge modelling. For Collectors and Enthusiasts Beyond operational model railways, Graham Farish products have collector appeal. Limited edition models, special liveries, and historically significant releases often appreciate in value, making the hobby potentially attractive as a collecting pursuit as well as an operational one. The Bachmann Collectors Club provides enthusiasts with access to special releases, advance information about new products, and a community of like-minded modellers. Membership offers benefits that enhance enjoyment of the hobby. Conclusion Graham Farish represents the best of British N gauge model railways, combining nearly a century of heritage with modern manufacturing excellence. Whether you're a seasoned modeller expanding an existing layout or a newcomer taking first steps into the hobby, Graham Farish offers products that deliver quality, authenticity, and value. From meticulously detailed steam locomotives to modern multiple units, from comprehensive train sets to individual wagons, the range provides everything needed to create miniature railways that capture the essence of British railway history. By comparing Graham Farish prices through Grocefully, you can ensure you're getting the best deals on these precision-engineered products. Explore the range today and discover why Graham Farish remains the first choice for British N gauge modellers.