Tri-ang R644

British Railways AL1 E3001 British Rail Blue

Contents

Tooling

The Tri-ang British Rail Class 81 model was introduced in 1966 following the Lines Brothers’ acquisition of Hornby Dublo. This release represented Tri-ang’s entry into AC electric locomotive models, reflecting the modernization of British Railways and the electrification of the West Coast Main Line. The prototype Class 81 (originally AL1) was the first AC electric type delivered to British Railways between 1959 and 1964.

At launch, the model was considered advanced for its time, offering a detailed bodyshell and working pantograph. However, by modern standards, it is regarded as basic, with limited underframe accuracy and a single powered bogie. Enthusiasts often note its robustness and nostalgic appeal, though performance and fidelity lag behind contemporary models. Collectors value early examples, particularly boxed versions, for their historical significance.

Discussion on forums such as RMweb highlights the model’s potential for upgrades, including re-motoring and detailing. Videos and posts often showcase restoration projects and conversions for modern layouts. Despite its age, the Class 81 remains a popular subject among vintage model railway communities.

The tooling reused Tri-ang’s standard motor bogie design, originally developed for other models, adapted to fit the Class 81 body.

Detailing: Factory-fitted details including Stone Faiveley AMBR pantograph, cab and footplate detail, interior glazing, and underframe battery box. Wheels were chemically blackened for improved aesthetics. The original tooling is DCC incompatible. There is no socket or space for a decoder or speaker. Conversion requires hard-wiring and insulation of the motor from the chassis.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: E3001

The British Railways Class 81 were Britain's first production mainline AC electric locomotives, with 25 examples built 1959-1964 by Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Company with AEI electrical equipment. Pioneering 25kV AC electrification on the West Coast Main Line, these Bo-Bo locomotives delivered 3,680 hp through mercury-arc rectifiers and frame-mounted motors. Operating primarily from Manchester, Liverpool, and later Glasgow depots, they hauled Anglo-Scottish expresses and freight until withdrawal in 1991. Only 81002 survives in preservation at Barrow Hill.

Operator & Livery

  • Operator: British Rail
  • Livery: Blue
  • Era: 6 - British Rail Blue Pre-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.