Lima L204757

British Rail Class 73 73131 English, Welsh & Scottish Railway Maroon & Gold

Contents

Tooling

Lima introduced its British Rail Class 73 electro-diesel locomotive in OO gauge in 1986. At the time, Lima was a major supplier of affordable ready-to-run models for UK enthusiasts, competing with Hornby and Mainline. The Class 73 was a distinctive choice, representing a Southern Region electro-diesel capable of operating on third-rail DC and diesel power, making it a versatile prototype for layouts set from the 1960s onwards.

At launch, the Lima Class 73 was praised for its accurate body shape and crisp moulding, which compared well to competitors of the era. However, the mechanism was considered basic, with limited electrical pickup and a high top speed. Enthusiasts often noted that the model benefited from running-in and regular maintenance. Modern reviews highlight its affordability and suitability for upgrading, with common improvements including rewiring for DCC, fitting better wheels, and replacing the motor for smoother performance. Detailing upgrades such as wire handrails and etched parts are popular among modellers.

The Lima Class 73 remains a frequent subject in online forums, YouTube reviews, and blogs. Videos often showcase servicing tips, repaint projects, and DCC conversions. Collectors value limited editions such as Pullman and Network SouthEast commemorative releases, while budget-conscious modellers appreciate its availability on the second-hand market.

DCC compatible but not DCC-ready. There is no factory-fitted socket; conversion requires hard-wiring a decoder. Space inside the body allows for basic installations, but no provision for speakers or lighting upgrades from the factory.

The tooling represented multiple sub-classes (73/0, 73/1, and 73/2) through variations in detail and livery. Despite its age, the model is still widely used and upgraded, reflecting Lima’s strong pattern-making and printing quality for its time.

Detailing: Factory-fitted separate details including horns, jumper cables, cab interiors, footplate detail, window wipers, and detailed glazing. Underframe features include battery boxes, fuel tanks, and third-rail pick-up shoes.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: 73131

The British Rail Class 73 electro-diesel represents one of Britain's most versatile and longest-serving locomotive classes, designed in the early 1960s to solve the Southern Region's third-rail gap problem in goods yards. With dual 1,600hp electric and 600hp diesel modes (1,600hp diesel in Class 73/9 rebuilds), these Bo-Bo locomotives served prestigious duties from Gatwick Express to Venice Simplon Orient Express, and now operate Caledonian Sleeper services in Scotland. Of 49 built (6 Class 73/0, 43 Class 73/1), 39 survive with approximately 22 still operational, making them among British Rail's most enduring designs spanning over 60 years of continuous service.

Operator & Livery

The English, Welsh & Scottish Railway (EWS) operated Britain's largest rail freight network from 1996-2007, controlling 90% of the UK freight market. Formed by Wisconsin Central through acquisition of five British Rail freight companies, EWS revolutionised British freight transport with 250 new General Motors Class 66 locomotives and distinctive maroon and gold livery featuring the famous "three beasties" logo. The company was acquired by Deutsche Bahn in 2007, eventually becoming today's DB Cargo UK while maintaining its freight market dominance.

The EWS maroon and gold livery was introduced in April 1996, with the first locomotive to receive the scheme being Class 37 number 37057, which emerged from Toton Depot on 25 April 1996 to coincide with the launch of the English, Welsh & Scottish brand. The colour specification featured maroon bodysides, roofs and ends with black underframes and buffer beams, standard UK yellow warning panels, and a distinctive gold stripe running centrally between the cab ends.

To ensure accurate colour consistency, a sample plate was flown from Wisconsin Central's American operations to Britain, where British paints were mixed to match this standard. Interestingly, when Class 66 and 67 locomotives were later built by General Motors, another sample plate was sent to the manufacturer, resulting in a slightly lighter shade than the original British mix.

The livery evolved through several variations. Early applications from April 1996 featured "EW&S" lettering (including the ampersand) in Arial typeface within the gold band. From January 1997, this was simplified to "EWS" with improved Gill Sans typeface - continuing a tradition established by the LNER in the 1920s and used by British Railways until the 1960s.

The gold band width varied by locomotive class - most received 600mm bands, but Classes 37, 58, and 73 looked better with 550mm bands due to their distinctive body shapes. Company lettering and locomotive numbers appeared in maroon within the gold stripe with 20mm clearance from the band edges, positioned at opposite ends on each side of the locomotive.

For model railway enthusiasts, specialist paint manufacturers like Phoenix Paints produce authentic colour matches, with their E.W.&S. Red (P193) and E.W.&S. Gold (P194) paints matched to original Wisconsin Central colour panels. Alternative options include RailMatch EWS Maroon (1255) which many modellers prefer for value and colour accuracy.

The EWS maroon and gold scheme became one of the most recognisable railway liveries in modern British history, remaining in use until Deutsche Bahn's acquisition in 2007 and the subsequent adoption of DB Schenker corporate red livery from 2009.