Hornby R242

Tooling

The Hornby Class 90 in OO gauge was first introduced in 1988, representing British Rail’s modern AC electric locomotive designed for mixed-traffic duties on the West Coast Main Line. The model coincided with the prototype’s entry into service and was aimed at capturing the sleek, contemporary image of InterCity and sectorised operations during the late BR era.

Tooling Features

• Construction: Plastic bodyshell with factory-fitted separate details; lightweight chassis incorporating metal parts for strength.
• Detailing: Brecknell Willis high-speed pantograph, roof-mounted electrical equipment, bufferbeam detail, front valance, cab interior, footplate, and flush glazing. Underframe includes battery boxes and electrical gear representations.
• Finish: Chemically blackened wheels for improved realism.

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor: Ringfield motor mounted in one bogie.
• Drive: 4-wheel drive via the powered bogie; pickups on the power bogie only.
• Power Collection: 2-rail DC, with a working pantograph for optional overhead supply.
• Weighting: Incorporated within the chassis to aid adhesion.
• Lighting: No factory lighting provision.

DCC Capability

The original tooling predates digital control and has no DCC socket or speaker provision. Conversion requires hard-wiring a decoder.

Liveries Produced

The 1988 tooling was used for a wide range of liveries reflecting BR sectorisation and later privatisation, including:

• InterCity Executive and Swallow schemes (1980s–1990s).
• Parcels Sector red/black.
• Rail Express Systems (RES).
• Railfreight Distribution grey.
• Special “Freightconnection” promotional liveries (SNCB, DB, SNCF).
• Virgin Trains, GNER, EWS, and other post-privatisation schemes.

Reviews & Commentary

At launch, the model was praised for its accurate outline and distinctive pantograph feature, though later reviews noted limitations such as basic underframe detail and the dated Ringfield motor. Enthusiasts often highlight its nostalgic appeal and suitability for upgrades, with many examples still running reliably decades later. Online forums and video reviews frequently describe it as a “solid performer for its era,” albeit lacking modern refinements like all-wheel pickup and DCC readiness.

Interesting Notes

• The model included a functional pantograph, allowing operation from Hornby’s overhead catenary system—a rare feature among OO gauge electrics of the time.
• Service Sheet 146 (issued in 1989) covered maintenance of the power bogie and wiring arrangements.
• Despite its age, the tooling remained in production for many years, underpinning numerous limited editions and special promotional releases.

Class & Prototype

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

British Rail InterCity was the premium express passenger brand that operated from 1966 to 1997, transforming long-distance rail travel across Britain. Initially launched as a marketing brand for high-speed services, InterCity became an autonomous business sector in 1982 under the sectorisation programme, operating profitable express services from London to Scotland, Wales, the West Country, and extensive cross-country routes.

The brand pioneered revolutionary rolling stock including the iconic InterCity 125 HST (High Speed Train) from 1976, which achieved 125mph operations on existing infrastructure, and the electric InterCity 225 sets from 1989, capable of 140mph but limited to 125mph in service. InterCity also developed the ground-breaking Advanced Passenger Train (APT) with tilting technology that influenced modern high-speed trains worldwide.

Distinguished by its evolving livery schemes - from Rail Blue and Grey through the sophisticated Executive livery with dark grey upper bodies and red stripes - InterCity became synonymous with quality, speed, and reliability. All day services featured buffet cars and the majority operated at 100mph or above, making British Rail one of the world's most intensive high-speed operators.

The brand was divided among multiple operators during railway privatisation in the 1990s, but its technical innovations, operational excellence, and commercial principles continue influencing modern rail services. InterCity remains hugely popular with railway modellers, with extensive ranges of locomotives and coaching stock available in all major scales from manufacturers like Hornby, Bachmann, and Heljan.