Hornby Dublo 2245

British Railways AL1 E3002 British Rail Electric Blue

Contents

Tooling

The Hornby Dublo Class 81 (AL1) electric locomotive was introduced in 1964, marking one of the final releases under the Hornby Dublo brand before Meccano Ltd was taken over by Lines Brothers (Tri-ang). The model represented British Rail’s pioneering AC electric locomotive design, developed for the West Coast Main Line electrification under the 1955 Modernisation Plan. The prototype locomotives entered service from 1959 and were later classified as Class 81 under TOPS.

Appearing in catalogues in 1963 and reaching shops in 1964, the Dublo AL1 was intended as a prestige model featuring overhead pantographs and two-rail compatibility. It was among the last Hornby Dublo locomotives produced before the transition to Tri-ang Hornby tooling and plastic-bodied designs.

At launch, the model was considered ambitious but was criticised for crude detailing and high cost. Contemporary press reviews were scathing, citing poor accuracy and aesthetics compared to emerging plastic-bodied models. Collectors today regard it as a rare and desirable piece of Hornby Dublo history, with surviving examples commanding high prices at auction.

Modern commentary on forums and social media often highlights its charm and engineering robustness, despite its shortcomings in realism. Restoration projects and videos frequently appear in enthusiast communities, showcasing repairs and conversions.

The original tooling is DCC incompatible. Conversion is possible but requires significant modification due to the motor design and lack of electrical isolation.

Detailing: Simplistic by modern standards; moulded body detail with painted window surrounds and vents. The bright “baby blue” finish gave the model a continental appearance rather than the darker BR blue of the prototype.

The AL1 was the last prestige locomotive produced under the Hornby Dublo name before the brand’s absorption into Tri-ang Hornby.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: E3002

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: Electric 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.