Railway Models UK

Accurascale has announced a new addition to its Class 31 range, unveiling a model of No. 31160 in Railfreight Distribution triple‑grey livery.

The new model displays No. 31160 in its Railfreight Distribution triple‑grey livery, the paint scheme applied after the locomotive’s rebuild following serious fire damage. It was repainted at Tinsley depot in November 1989 and emerged in a form that differed markedly from other Railfreight Distribution examples of the era.

Notable features included oversized TOPS numerals, black window surrounds, a non‑standard bodyside colour separation and red buffer beams. Accurascale states that the livery has been reproduced using colour references taken from the BR Corporate Style Handbook.

Features and specifications

Full directional lighting suite
Prototype‑specific external detailing
Operational rotating roof fan
Flange squeal hall sensors that trigger automatic sound effects on curves
ESU LokSound DCC decoders in sound‑fitted versions
Special presentation packaging and a numbered certificate exclusive to this release

No. 31160 was given the unofficial name Phoenix shortly after its return to service, accompanied by a bespoke emblem depicting the mythical bird rising from flames. Although the locomotive retained this unique appearance for less than a year before reassignment and eventual withdrawal, it became a well‑known and frequently photographed example.

The locomotive has since remained closely associated with Tinsley depot’s individual approach to presentation during the late 1980s.

The Accurascale Exclusive Class 31/1 No. 31160 Phoenix will be priced from £184.95 for the DC/DCC‑ready version, with DCC sound‑fitted models from £284.95.

Production is scheduled to commence in late spring, with delivery expected in Q1 2027.

Accurascale announces exclusive Class 31/1 31160 ‘Phoenix’

More News