Trix F105G

London & North Eastern Railway EM1 26056 British Railways Green with Late Crest

Contents

Tooling

The Trix British Rail Class 76, also known as EM1 (Electric Mixed-Traffic 1), was introduced in 1959 as an OO gauge (1:76 scale) model. This release represented one of the earliest ready-to-run British-outline electric locomotives in OO gauge, inspired by the real Class 76 locomotives that operated on the Woodhead Route between Manchester and Sheffield. The prototype locomotives were designed for 1500V DC overhead electrification and were visually distinctive with their twin pantographs and Bo-Bo wheel arrangement.

Collectors and enthusiasts often describe the Trix EM1 as a robust and powerful model for its time, capable of smooth running and overhead operation via its pantograph. However, its electrical system and coupling arrangements were considered unconventional, reflecting Trix’s "Twin Train" heritage. Modern commentary highlights its historical significance and collectability rather than fine-scale accuracy. Issues noted by users include reverse polarity quirks on 2-rail setups and limited detailing compared to contemporary standards.

The Trix EM1 remains a popular subject in vintage model railway forums and social media groups, where it is praised for its engineering ingenuity and nostalgic appeal. Videos and posts often showcase its operation under catenary, a feature rarely seen in British-outline models of the era.

The original 1959 Trix Class 76 tooling is DCC incompatible. There is no provision for a decoder or speaker, reflecting its pre-DCC era design.

Detailing: Includes cross-arm pantograph (functional for catenary operation), cab and footplate detail, interior glazing, and nickel-plated wheels.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: 26056

The British Rail Class 76 (LNER Class EM1) comprised 58 electric locomotives built 1941-1953 for the Manchester-Sheffield-Wath route, Britain's first mainline electrification operating at 1500V DC. Featuring distinctive Bo+Bo wheel arrangement with innovative bogie-mounted buffers designed by Gresley, these locomotives hauled intensive Yorkshire coal traffic through challenging Pennine terrain until the controversial Woodhead Route closure in July 1981. The entire 52-locomotive surviving fleet faced simultaneous withdrawal despite serviceability, with only 26020 preserved at the National Railway Museum. Heljan produced limited OO gauge models (2011, now scarce) in BR black, green, and blue liveries featuring DCC-ready operation and comprehensive detailing.

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.