Hornby R2067

British Rail Class 90 90012 British Transport Police Virgin Trains West Coast Red & Black

Contents

Tooling

The Hornby British Rail 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.

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.

Detailing: Roof-mounted electrical equipment, bufferbeam detail, front valance, cab interior, footplate, and flush glazing. Underframe includes battery boxes and electrical gear representations. Chemically blackened wheels for improved realism.

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

The model included a functional pantograph, allowing operation from Hornby’s overhead catenary system—a rare feature among OO gauge electrics of the time. Despite its age, the tooling remained in production for many years, underpinning numerous limited editions and special promotional releases.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: 90012
  • Name: British Transport Police

The British Rail Class 90 electric locomotive, built 1987-1990 at BREL Crewe, delivered 5,000 hp from 25kV AC overhead supply through sophisticated thyristor control. Fifty locomotives served BR InterCity, Virgin Trains, Greater Anglia, and freight operators across 37 years. Pioneer of Time-Division Multiplexing push-pull operations, the class worked West Coast and East Coast main lines at 110 mph with Mark 3 coaching stock. Over 35 liveries span InterCity Swallow through privatisation operators to contemporary Freightliner freight. Bachmann's 2019 OO gauge tooling features world-first servo-operated pantograph; Graham Farish offers excellent N gauge versions. Approximately 30 remain operational.

Operator & Livery