Hornby R3043

British Rail Class 87 87019 ACORP GB Railfreight Medite

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.

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.

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.

Detailing: Separate nameplates (plastic, user-fitted), roof electrical components, cab interior detail, detailed glazing, and refined underframe mouldings.

This upgrade marked the transition of Lima tooling into Hornby’s portfolio, bridging the gap before Hornby’s complete retooling in 2018.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: 87019
  • Name: ACORP

The British Rail Class 87 represented BR's most successful express electric locomotive, with 36 built at Crewe Works 1973-1975 for West Coast Main Line services. Delivering 5,000hp continuously through revolutionary body-mounted traction motors with Flexicoil suspension, these Bo-Bo electrics hauled premier Anglo-Scottish expresses at 110mph for three decades. Named to celebrate Anglo-Scottish connections, the class served from Electric Scot inauguration in 1974 until Virgin's final service in December 2006. Twenty-one locomotives exported to Bulgaria continue freight operations, whilst 87002 Royal Sovereign remains UK's only operational example. Available as Hornby OO gauge and Dapol N gauge models in multiple liveries spanning BR Blue through InterCity Swallow to Virgin red.

Operator & Livery

GB Railfreight (GBRf) is the UK's third-largest rail freight operator, established in 1999 and currently owned by Infracapital (M&G plc subsidiary). Operating over 2,000 trainloads weekly with an exceptional 99% reliability rate, the company moves approximately 23% of Britain's rail freight using a fleet of 170 locomotives and 1,800 wagons. GBRf serves major ports including Felixstowe, Southampton, and London Gateway with 54 daily intermodal services nationally, whilst also providing vital infrastructure services for Network Rail, London Underground, and major construction projects like HS2.

The company is renowned for pioneering the innovative Class 69 conversion programme, transforming redundant Class 56 locomotives with modern EMD 710 engines, and for operating diverse heritage livery schemes that celebrate British railway history. With headquarters and control centre in Peterborough and maintenance facilities at Tonbridge, GB Railfreight employs over 1,400 people and has committed to achieving net-zero operations by 2050, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable freight transport whilst maintaining strong partnerships with customers including Network Rail, Drax, Aggregate Industries, and major shipping lines.

The Medite livery marked the very beginning of GB Railfreight’s story in 1999, reflecting its first major contract with the Medite Shipping Company. Applied to the initial batch of Class 66 locomotives, the scheme featured a dark blue body with high-visibility yellow ends and large white “Medite” lettering along the bodysides. It was a simple but distinctive design that highlighted GBRf’s role in hauling container traffic from ports such as Felixstowe. Although only in use for a short period, the Medite branding defined GBRf’s earliest identity before being replaced in 2001 by the more enduring corporate Blue & Orange livery.