Models

Unfortuanely, there are currently no "Ready-to-Run" Class 104 models available to buy from mainstream sources, so examples of 104's recreated in miniature are rare in comparison to some other classes. The mass production of models from Hornby, Bachmann and Lima etc over the years has resulted in classes 101, 108, 110, 117 and 121 being immortalised on the country's model railways. However, how often do you see a 104?

Kits are now available in O Scale which has lead to several models appearing at exhibitions, althouh we are unsure of their source or whether they are still available. OO Scale modellers have the Crafstman conversion kit, which includes whitemetal pieces and etched brass front ends. These convert a Hornby Class 110 into a presentable 104, as most of the major differences are in the front end. As far as we know for all other scales, or for a more detailled model, modellers have to scratch build to produce a 104.

Below is a small gallery of class 104s that modellers have made, with any details for each listed. We would be very interested in including more models, as we are sure there are others out there, so if you have a 104 on your layout, don't hesitate to send in some pics. Quality is not an issue!

One of the best-known Diesel & Electric era layouts on the current exhibition circuit, Mostyn has raised the bar for "P4" scale modelling. Aiming to run frequent, prototypically-correct formations at realistic line speeds, Mostyn now boasts a large fleet of DMU vehicles. In a project spanning several years, the Barrowmore Model Railway Group have designed and built their own 104 fleet from scratch, producing models that are most likely the finest in the country in that scale. The BRCW Group assisted the BMR Group with measuring the full size 104's as well as images of the more unusual types of vehicle we have at the CVR, such as the TCL and DTCL vehicles.

This fantastic recreation of an eastern region 4-car set has been created in EM Guage (Finescale OO) by Paul James. It has been used on the inspiring 1970's based layout Wibdenshaw and is a proper formation including the Trailer Brake Second. It operates as part of a large fleet of DMUs which can all run together in multiple formations, three link couplings being present on the front ends to enable this whilst keeping realism. Other details such as window stickers (to denote first class and non smoking areas), interior seating and underframe additions (such as exhausts) complete this excellent model.

Flying the flag for Network SouthEast in the modelling world is this DMCL in that colourful livery. The current owner bought this vehicle so we are unsure who made it. Although no DMCL vehicles were painted in NSE the vehicle certainly looks the part and represents well the way that in latter years the NSE brake vehicles were tagged onto all sorts of formations, as the image on the right shows (with 117 vehicles behind). The 104 can be seen on the modern image exhibition layout Northolt.

This power twin set in BR Blue has been made for a loft layout based in the Preston area in the early 1980's. This was of course a regular haunt for 104's, so the modeller was quite keen to have one on his railway.I has been converted from a Hormby 110 using a Craftsman conversion kit. Since this picture was taken, various embelishments have been added including headcode blinds and a DCC decoder with cab and passenger compartment lights.

This two car set is the result of a BRCW Group member's attempt to produce a OO Gauge 104 using the Craftsman conversion kit and a donor Hornby Class 110. As the 110 was assembled from spares and bits and pieces, the 104 is unpowered, so will have to operate in multiple with other DMU's. The body shells are relatively unchanged with only the moulded window surrounds being cut off. The cab ends required more work including filing right down and making up the smooth roof dome, as 110's have large 4 character headcode boxes. The front end was then added using the etched brass pieces supplied in the kit. This particular set includes DMBS M50455 (a biased decision!) and DTCL M56179. It is modelled in BR Blue 1970's style, after the headcodes were deemed surplus but before they were plated over. The set is travelling to Rochdale in one direction and Manchester Victoria in the other, which as well as being a favourite route for 104 sets over the years, was also a nod towards the Oldham Loop Line which was due for closure (in October 2009) while the model was being built.

Page last updated 4/7/10