Hornby R2755

Tooling

Hornby introduced a significant upgrade to its British Rail Class 86 model in 2004. This retooling aimed to modernize the long-standing model originally launched in 1981, improving body detailing and overall finish while retaining affordability. The Class 86 remained an iconic AC electric locomotive, and this update reflected growing demand for more accurate representations of modern traction during the early 2000s.

Tooling Features

• Construction: Plastic bodyshell with improved moulding and finer surface detail; separate roof components and pantograph detail.
• Detailing: Sharper cab front contours, flush glazing, printed warning panels, and improved livery application. Pantograph supplied but non-functional.
• Couplings: Standard tension-lock couplers on fixed mounts.

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor: Five-pole Ringfield motor mounted in one bogie.
• Drive: Power to four wheels on the motor bogie; pickups on both bogies for improved reliability.
• Weighting: Internal metal weights for traction; cab interiors formed by weight blocks.
• Lighting: No working lights provided.
• Pantograph: Decorative only; no overhead power capability.

DCC Capability

The 2004 tooling was DCC compatible but not DCC-ready. No factory-fitted socket was included, requiring hard-wiring for digital conversion. Enthusiasts often fitted Hornby R8249 or similar decoders using custom wiring solutions.

Liveries Produced

This upgrade appeared in a wide range of liveries, including:

• BR Electric Blue (heritage and preserved examples).
• InterCity Executive and Swallow schemes.
• Anglia Railways turquoise.
• Virgin Trains West Coast red/black.
• Network Rail yellow/grey.

Reviews & Commentary

At launch, the 2004 upgrade was welcomed for its improved body shape and finer detailing compared to the original 1981 tooling. However, reviewers noted that the chassis design and Ringfield motor were dated, lacking the smoothness and quietness of contemporary can-motor models. The absence of a DCC socket was also criticized as the hobby increasingly embraced digital control. Despite these limitations, the model was considered a solid mid-range offering and remained popular among collectors and modellers.

Media & Community Feedback

Enthusiasts on forums and social media often describe the 2004 tooling as a “bridge” between classic Hornby and modern standards. Many posts showcase upgrades such as replacement pantographs, etched nameplates, and DCC conversions. Video reviews highlight its nostalgic appeal and reasonable performance for its era.

Interesting Notes

• The pantograph was non-functional, marking the end of Hornby’s overhead power feature for AC electrics.
• Flush glazing and sharper cab profiles were key improvements over the 1981 tooling.
• Remained in production until the fully retooled 2011 version introduced an 8-pin DCC socket.

Class & Prototype

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

British Railways transformed Britain's fragmented rail network into a unified national system following nationalisation on 1st January 1948. Created from the "Big Four" companies under the Transport Act 1947, BR operated most of Great Britain's railways until rebranding as British Rail in 1965, managing over 20,000 route miles and inheriting nearly 20,000 locomotives of diverse designs.

The organisation pioneered standardisation through its revolutionary BR Standard locomotive programme (1951-1960), producing 999 advanced steam engines under Robert Riddles' direction. These included the versatile Britannia Pacifics, mighty 9F freight engines, and mixed-traffic classes that incorporated the best features from all predecessor companies. The 1955 Modernisation Plan accelerated diesel and electric traction development, creating fascinating mixed-traction operations.

Notable achievements included establishing unified locomotive classification systems, introducing distinctive corporate liveries, and managing the complex transition from steam to modern traction. BR's six regional structure preserved operational diversity whilst enabling standardisation of practices, signalling, and rolling stock that had eluded private enterprise for over a century.

The BR era represents steam traction's final flowering alongside emerging diesel technology, creating unparalleled locomotive variety. Today, this heritage remains highly popular with railway enthusiasts through extensive preserved fleets, heritage railway operations, and comprehensive model ranges from manufacturers like Hornby, Bachmann, and Dapol, making BR subjects essential for authentic post-war British railway modelling across all scales.