Hornby R2578A

British Rail Class 101 M50327 British Railways Green with Late Crest

Contents

Tooling

In 2008, Hornby reissued and upgraded the OO gauge British Rail Class 101 "Met-Cam" DMU, labelled under its RailRoad range. This edition built on Lima’s 1997 tooling, enhancing mechanical performance and electrics while introducing a proper DCC-ready chassis—marking a notable evolution in the tooling’s history.

The upgrade was widely praised for its improved running qualities and DCC readiness while retaining the accurate body shape inherited from Lima. Reviewers highlighted the crisp paint finish and reliable mechanism, though some noted the basic interiors and lack of factory lighting beyond directional lamps. Online forums and YouTube channels showcase popular modifications, including interior detailing, lighting upgrades, and coupling replacements. Enthusiasts frequently compare this version favourably against later Bachmann releases for its affordability and ease of enhancement, making it a popular choice for both collectors and modders.

Detailing: Retains the accurate body and crisp Metro-Cammell detailing from the Lima original, including moulded glazing, battery boxes, and engine pipework. Cab interiors and footplate are also well represented. Improved painting quality and window wipers add finesse. The tooling supports various marker light formations, including four-light early-batch variants used for specific liveries.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: M50327

The British Rail Class 101 was Metro-Cammell's most successful first-generation DMU, with over 700 vehicles built 1956-1959 serving across Britain for 47 years until 2003. Powered by twin 150hp BUT AEC or Leyland diesel engines, these distinctive units operated from Tyneside to Scottish Highlands, dominating Birmingham's Cross-City Line for 35 years. Comprehensive 1970s-1980s refurbishment programmes extended their operational lives dramatically. The type carried every major BR livery including green, blue, blue/grey, white/blue, Strathclyde orange, and Network SouthEast schemes. With 41 vehicles preserved and comprehensive model availability from Bachmann (OO), Graham Farish (N gauge), and Hornby, the Class 101 remains essential for depicting authentic British branch line and suburban operations from the late 1950s through early 2000s.

Operator & Livery

  • Operator: British Railways
  • Livery: Green with Late Crest
  • Era: 5 - British Railways Late Crest

British Railways transformed Britain's fragmented rail network into a unified national system following nationalisation on 1st January 1948. Created from the "Big Four" companies under the Transport Act 1947, BR operated most of Great Britain's railways until rebranding as British Rail in 1965, managing over 20,000 route miles and inheriting nearly 20,000 locomotives of diverse designs.

The organisation pioneered standardisation through its revolutionary BR Standard locomotive programme (1951-1960), producing 999 advanced steam engines under Robert Riddles' direction. These included the versatile Britannia Pacifics, mighty 9F freight engines, and mixed-traffic classes that incorporated the best features from all predecessor companies. The 1955 Modernisation Plan accelerated diesel and electric traction development, creating fascinating mixed-traction operations.

Notable achievements included establishing unified locomotive classification systems, introducing distinctive corporate liveries, and managing the complex transition from steam to modern traction. BR's six regional structure preserved operational diversity whilst enabling standardisation of practices, signalling, and rolling stock that had eluded private enterprise for over a century.

The BR era represents steam traction's final flowering alongside emerging diesel technology, creating unparalleled locomotive variety. Today, this heritage remains highly popular with railway enthusiasts through extensive preserved fleets, heritage railway operations, and comprehensive model ranges from manufacturers like Hornby, Bachmann, and Dapol, making BR subjects essential for authentic post-war British railway modelling across all scales.