Lima 205

British Railways AL6 E3185 British Rail Electric Blue

Contents

Tooling

Lima introduced its British Rail Class 86 electric locomotive in N gauge around 1967, during the early years of British N scale modelling. At the time, this was one of the very few ready-to-run representations of the AL6 (later Class 86) in N gauge, coinciding with the electrification of the West Coast Main Line. The model was marketed under Lima’s own brand and also through Wrenn in the UK, forming part of a collaboration that lasted until the late 1970s. It remained a staple for collectors for decades, despite later competition from more accurate models.

Nominally British N scale (1:148, 9mm gauge), the model was proportionally shortened by about 10% and slightly widened, giving it a somewhat toy-like appearance compared to modern standards. Body detailing was reasonable for its era, with moulded grilles and vents, but the pantograph and roof cabling were simplified. Glazing was translucent with no cab interior detail. Couplings were Rapido-type, mounted in bogie pockets.

The chassis was a metal frame with a central weight. Early versions used Lima's classic "pancake" motor mounted above one bogie; later examples reportedly adopted a can motor, still driving only one bogie. Electrical pickup was from the non-powered bogie, and traction tyres were fitted to the driven wheels. Minimum radius was typical for N gauge set-track. Lighting was not provided. Performance was basic, with limited slow-speed control and noticeable motor noise.

The model predates DCC by decades and was never designed for digital control. While the chassis offered space that could theoretically accommodate a decoder, conversion requires significant modification. No factory DCC-ready versions were produced.

Contemporary reviews praised the availability of a modern electric in N gauge but noted compromises in scale accuracy and mechanical design. Enthusiasts today often describe Lima’s N gauge locomotives as "overscale" and mechanically crude, though the Class 86 tooling is considered one of Lima’s better efforts. Collectors value it for nostalgia and historical significance rather than operational performance.

Discussion on forums and blogs highlights the model's role as a pioneer in British N gauge, while acknowledging its shortcomings. Common criticisms include the recessed cab windows, simplified roof detail, and the limitations of the pancake motor. Despite this, the model retains a following among vintage collectors.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: E3185

The British Rail Class 86 was English Electric's pioneering 25 kV AC electric locomotive for West Coast Main Line electrification, with 100 built 1965-1966. Originally designated AL6, these Bo-Bo locomotives delivered 3,600-4,000 hp and served 56 years hauling express passenger services and freight traffic. Revolutionary flexicoil suspension modifications from 1971 transformed the class from problematic 80 mph freight locomotives into reliable 100 mph express passenger machines. Class 86s worked for BR, InterCity, Virgin Trains, Anglia Railways, and Freightliner until February 2021, with three preserved examples still hauling charter trains. Approximately 32 locomotives were exported to Hungary and Bulgaria where many remain operational.

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.