Hornby R2772

British Rail Class 87 87004 "Britannia" British Rail Blue

Contents

Tooling

In 2009, Hornby reintroduced the British Rail Class 87 electric locomotive to its OO gauge range using the original Lima tooling as a foundation. This upgrade aimed to modernise the model for contemporary standards while retaining affordability, positioning it within Hornby’s mid-range offerings. The Class 87 remained a popular subject due to its iconic role on the West Coast Main Line during the BR and sectorisation eras.

Tooling Features

  • Construction: Plastic bodyshell with improved factory-applied details compared to the original Lima release.
  • Detailing: Separate nameplates (plastic, user-fitted), Brecknell Willis high-speed pantograph (poseable), roof electrical components, cab interior detail, detailed glazing, and refined underframe mouldings.

Mechanical & Electrical

  • Drive: Single bogie drive with traction tyres.
  • Pickups: All wheels, improving reliability over the Lima version.
  • Weighting: Lightweight chassis with internal weight for adhesion.
  • Pantograph: Cosmetic and poseable; not powered.

DCC Capability

The 2009 Hornby upgrade is DCC Ready with an 8-pin socket, allowing straightforward decoder installation. Space is provided for a 15x11mm speaker for sound fitting.

Reviews & Commentary

Reviews from the period praised the upgrade for its improved running qualities and DCC readiness, though the single bogie drive and lightweight chassis were still seen as limitations compared to fully retooled models. Enthusiasts appreciated the enhanced detailing and the inclusion of NEM coupler pockets, making the model easier to integrate into modern layouts. While not at the level of Hornby’s later full retooling, the 2009 version offered a cost-effective option for collectors and operators.

Media & Community Feedback

Model railway forums and YouTube reviews highlighted the ease of decoder installation and the improved smoothness of the 5-pole motor. Many users noted that adding extra weight and upgrading the pantograph enhanced realism. The model remains popular on the second-hand market as a budget-friendly alternative to later high-spec releases.

Interesting Notes

  • This upgrade marked the transition of Lima tooling into Hornby’s portfolio, bridging the gap before Hornby’s complete retooling in 2018.
  • Provision for sound installation was a notable improvement over the original Lima design.

Class & Prototype

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

British Rail (1965-1997) transformed Britain's railways through revolutionary modernisation, introducing the iconic double arrow logo, Rail Blue livery, and business sectorisation. BR pioneered high-speed rail with the InterCity 125 and Advanced Passenger Train, electrified major routes, and created profitable divisions like InterCity and Network SouthEast. From steam succession through diesel and electric development to privatisation preparation, British Rail's diverse locomotive fleet, multiple livery schemes, and operational scenarios provide unparalleled variety for railway modellers across all scales and periods.

BR Blue, also known as Rail Blue or Monastral Blue, was introduced in 1965 as part of British Rail's comprehensive corporate identity overhaul that accompanied the rebranding from British Railways to British Rail. The colour was officially defined by British Standards BR28/6001 (airless spray finish) and BR28/5321 (brush finish), representing a dark, greyish blue tone specifically chosen to hide dirt and weathering effects well.

The livery was prototyped on the experimental XP64 train in 1964 before becoming the standard scheme from 1 January 1965. Rail Blue was applied to all diesel and electric locomotives with yellow warning panels (initially small, then extending to full yellow ends from 1966). The standardised application included the iconic double arrow logo and Rail Alphabet typeface, creating one of the most successful transport corporate identities of the 20th century.

The livery dominated British Rail operations for over two decades until sectorisation in the 1980s began fragmenting the unified appearance. Despite initial colour fading problems in early applications, these were resolved by the late 1970s when the Large Logo variant was introduced featuring extended yellow areas and full-height double arrow symbols. Rail Blue's enduring appeal among railway enthusiasts reflects its role as the definitive British Rail image during the organisation's most unified period.