Lima L205275

British Rail Class 73 73001 British Rail Blue

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: 73001

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

  • Operator: British Rail
  • Livery: Blue
  • Era: 7 - British Rail Blue TOPS

British Rail (1965-1997) transformed Britain's railways through revolutionary modernisation, introducing the iconic double arrow logo, Rail Blue livery, and business sectorisation. BR pioneered high-speed rail with the InterCity 125 and Advanced Passenger Train, electrified major routes, and created profitable divisions like InterCity and Network SouthEast. From steam succession through diesel and electric development to privatisation preparation, British Rail's diverse locomotive fleet, multiple livery schemes, and operational scenarios provide unparalleled variety for railway modellers across all scales and periods.

BR Blue, also known as Rail Blue or Monastral Blue, was introduced in 1965 as part of British Rail's comprehensive corporate identity overhaul that accompanied the rebranding from British Railways to British Rail. The colour was officially defined by British Standards BR28/6001 (airless spray finish) and BR28/5321 (brush finish), representing a dark, greyish blue tone specifically chosen to hide dirt and weathering effects well.

The livery was prototyped on the experimental XP64 train in 1964 before becoming the standard scheme from 1 January 1965. Rail Blue was applied to all diesel and electric locomotives with yellow warning panels (initially small, then extending to full yellow ends from 1966). The standardised application included the iconic double arrow logo and Rail Alphabet typeface, creating one of the most successful transport corporate identities of the 20th century.

The livery dominated British Rail operations for over two decades until sectorisation in the 1980s began fragmenting the unified appearance. Despite initial colour fading problems in early applications, these were resolved by the late 1970s when the Large Logo variant was introduced featuring extended yellow areas and full-height double arrow symbols. Rail Blue's enduring appeal among railway enthusiasts reflects its role as the definitive British Rail image during the organisation's most unified period.