Hornby R289

Tooling

Hornby introduced its first British Rail Class 86 model in 1981, marking a significant addition to its OO gauge electric locomotive range. The Class 86, originally designated AL6, was a cornerstone of British Rail’s West Coast Main Line electrification programme during the 1960s. Hornby’s model reflected growing interest in modern traction and offered enthusiasts a representation of one of BR’s most important AC electric locomotives.

Tooling Features

• Construction: Plastic bodyshell with clip-fit chassis; diecast cab interiors for added realism.
• Detailing: Factory-fitted handrails, roof-mounted electrical components, Stone Faiveley AMBR pantograph, bufferbeam detail, and clear glazing. Underframe included battery boxes and compressor detail.
• Couplings: Standard tension-lock couplers mounted on fixed sockets.

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor: Ringfield motor mounted in one bogie.
• Drive: Power to four wheels on the motor bogie; pickups on the same bogie.
• Weighting: Internal weights incorporated for traction.
• Lighting: No working lights provided.
• Pantograph: Functional for overhead power collection; switch on roof allowed changeover between track and catenary supply.

DCC Capability

The original 1981 tooling was not DCC-ready. It operated on conventional 2-rail DC and could be converted to DCC only through hard-wiring a decoder, as no socket was provided.

Liveries Produced

Over its production life, this tooling appeared in numerous liveries, including:

• BR Blue (initial release, 1981).
• InterCity Executive and Swallow schemes (1980s–1990s).
• Sectorisation liveries: Railfreight triple grey, Parcels red/grey.
• Rail Express Systems (RES).
• Post-privatisation: EWS, Freightliner green, Anglia Railways, Virgin Trains, Network Rail.

Reviews & Commentary

At launch, the model was praised for its working pantograph and ability to run from overhead catenary, a rare feature in OO gauge. However, reviewers noted limitations in chassis engineering and detailing compared to later standards. The Ringfield motor provided adequate performance for its time, though modern enthusiasts often describe it as noisy and less refined. Despite its age, the tooling remained popular through the 1980s and 1990s, with many examples still in use on layouts today.

Media & Community Feedback

Collectors and modellers frequently discuss this tooling on forums and social media, often highlighting its nostalgic appeal and robustness. Many have undertaken upgrades, including flush glazing, improved pantographs, and DCC conversions. Videos and blogs showcase restoration projects and running sessions, reinforcing its status as a classic Hornby model.

Interesting Notes

• The model could genuinely operate from overhead wires via its pantograph, a feature phased out in later Hornby electrics.
• Early releases lacked door handles, a detail corrected in later runs.
• Produced in large quantities, making it one of Hornby’s most widely owned electric locomotive models of the era.

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.