Hornby R2358

British Rail Class 90 90130 Fretconnection British Rail Railfreight Distribution SNCF Grey & Yellow

Contents

Tooling

Hornby introduced an upgraded British Rail Class 90 tooling in 2004 to refresh its long-standing model of British Rail’s AC electric locomotive. This revision aimed to improve detailing and construction while retaining affordability. It was positioned as a mid-range offering during a period when DCC was becoming mainstream, but before full digital readiness was standard.

Reviews at the time noted improved body detailing compared to the original 1988 tooling, though the mechanism remained basic with single-bogie drive and limited pickup. Lack of a DCC socket was seen as a drawback during the digital transition era. Enthusiasts appreciated the cosmetic upgrades and liveries, but performance was considered modest compared to emerging competitors. Online discussions often describe it as "a step forward in looks, but not in mechanics."

Detailing: Factory-fitted separate details including Brecknell Willis high-speed pantograph (poseable but unpowered), roof electrical gear, bufferbeam detail, front valance, cab interior, flush glazing, and underframe battery boxes. Chemically blackened wheels for enhanced realism.

The 2004 tooling was DCC compatible but lacked a factory-fitted socket. Conversion requires hard-wiring a decoder. No provision for sound installation.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: 90130
  • Name: Fretconnection

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