Hornby R340

British Rail Class 110 DMCL E51840 British Railways Green with Late Crest

Contents

Tooling

Hornby first released its OO gauge tooling for the British Rail Class 110 "Calder Valley" DMU in 1982. Based on Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Company prototypes from the 1960s, this tooling brought to life the distinctive three-car sets known for their performance on steep routes between Leeds and Manchester. Released amid Hornby's expansion of multiple-unit offerings, the 110 tooling remained a core part of their catalogue throughout the 1980s and beyond.

Enthusiasts generally regard the original Hornby Class 110 tooling as a nostalgic and dependable model for its era. Reviewers on platforms such as YouTube have praised its value and authentic appearance, noting that the three-car formation captures the character of the prototype well. However, feedback often highlights limitations in the mechanical design, particularly the basic three-pole Ringfield motor, which can struggle with smooth slow-speed running. Hobbyists frequently share tips for improving performance, such as cleaning the motor, replacing traction tyres, and upgrading couplings to modern magnetic types. Despite these shortcomings, the model remains popular among collectors and layout builders who appreciate its classic charm.

Model railway forums and social media discussions consistently describe the Class 110 tooling as a "venerable" Hornby product, reflecting its long-standing presence in the hobby. While its detailing and mechanical specification are considered modest by modern standards, many enthusiasts value it for its historical significance and ease of maintenance. Articles from specialist media, including Key Model World, have noted that the tooling continued in use for decades, later appearing in Hornby's RailRoad range as an affordable option for beginners. Online conversations often focus on restoration projects and upgrades, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this classic DMU among OO gauge modellers.

This classic 1982 tooling remains well-regarded among OO gauge enthusiasts. It offers a solid balance of detailing, reliable mechanicals, and pleasant running on Radius 2 track, making it ideal for both nostalgic collectors and layout beginners. While lacking factory-fitted lights and DCC readiness, aftermarket upgrades are well-documented—ensuring the Class 110 continues running on layouts to this day.

Detailing: OO gauge (1:76), injection-moulded plastic bodyshells with separate factory-fitted details such as door handles, exhausts, vents, gangway connections, bufferbeams, and coach-end railings. Interiors include painted cab floors, basic seating, footplate detailing, glazing, and underframe elements like battery boxes and air tanks.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: E51840

The British Rail Class 110 represented BRCW's most powerful first-generation DMU, purpose-built for demanding Trans-Pennine routes. Thirty three-car sets (90 vehicles) constructed 1961-1963 featured four Rolls-Royce C6NFLH engines delivering 720 bhp—the highest output of any first-generation unit. Designed specifically to conquer the Calder Valley line's punishing 1 in 45 gradients, Class 110s transformed Leeds-Manchester connectivity from January 1962 through nearly three decades of intensive Trans-Pennine service. The unique inward-facing engine configuration required specialized maintenance facilities, concentrating operations at Bradford Hammerton Street (1961-1984) and Leeds Neville Hill (1984-1991). Following 1983 centre trailer withdrawals, two-car formations achieved 11.2 hp/ton power-to-weight—the highest of any first-generation DMU. Class 150 Sprinter introduction triggered 1987-1991 withdrawals. Five vehicles survive in preservation at East Lancashire Railway (complete three-car set including sole TSL survivor) and Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway (two-car formation). Hornby maintains exclusive worldwide production in OO gauge only.

Operator & Livery

  • Operator: British Railways
  • Livery: Green with Late Crest
  • Era: 5 - British Railways Late Crest

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.