Hornby R152

Tooling

The Tri-ang British Rail Class 08 model was introduced in 1956, marking one of the earliest mass-produced OO gauge representations of BR’s standard diesel-electric shunter. Manufactured by Rovex under the Tri-ang Railways brand, this tooling provided an affordable entry point for hobbyists during the post-war boom in model railways. The prototype Class 08 was a ubiquitous sight across British Railways, and Tri-ang’s model quickly became a staple of many layouts.

Tooling Features

• Construction: Plastic bodyshell with diecast chassis for strength and weight.
• Detailing: Simplified but recognisable outline of the Class 08, including bodyside ladders and footsteps. Solid-spoked wheels painted for realism.
• Couplings: Fitted with Tri-ang’s proprietary tension-lock couplers, fixed to the chassis.

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor: Early versions used the X.03/X.04 open-frame 3-pole motor mounted centrally in the chassis.
• Drive: Worm gear drive to two axles, with pickups on two of the three axles.
• Lighting: No factory-fitted lighting.
• Weighting: Incorporated within the diecast chassis for adhesion.
• Power Collection: 2-rail DC system.

DCC Capability

The original tooling is DCC compatible but not DCC ready. Conversion requires a complete rewire and isolation of the motor from the chassis. No provision for speaker or decoder socket was included.

Liveries Produced

• BR maroon (c.1956–1970)
• BR black with late crest (c.1957–1968)
• BR blue (c.1965–1990)
• War Department green
• Special/fictitious schemes (e.g., Thomas & Friends adaptations in later Hornby reissues)

Reviews & Commentary

Period reviews praised the model for its robustness and affordability, though detailing was considered basic compared to contemporary Hornby Dublo offerings. Enthusiasts today regard it as a nostalgic classic, often restored or upgraded with modern motors and DCC capability. Online forums and social media highlight its durability—many examples still run reliably after decades with minimal servicing.

Interesting Notes

• The tooling remained in production for many years and influenced later Hornby versions.
• Its simple design makes it a popular candidate for restoration and re-motoring projects.
• The model’s association with the iconic BR Class 08 prototype ensures continued collector interest.

Class & Prototype

The British Rail Class 08 diesel-electric shunter represents Britain's most numerous locomotive class with 996 built 1952-1962. Powered by the reliable English Electric 6KT diesel engine producing 350-400hp, these 0-6-0 yard locomotives continue working after seven decades, with 100-170 still in active service alongside 87 preserved examples. The Class 08's universal deployment across freight yards, passenger stations, and industrial sidings from 1953 to present makes it the most versatile British diesel for model railway layouts.

Operator & Livery

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.