Hornby R2777

Tooling

Hornby introduced a completely new tooling for the British Rail Class 08 diesel-electric shunter in 2005, replacing its older, less detailed versions. This release marked a significant step forward in accuracy and specification for OO gauge shunters, aligning with growing expectations for fine detail and digital readiness in the mid-2000s.

Tooling Features

• Construction: Injection-moulded plastic body with separately fitted details; die-cast metal chassis for strength and weight.
• Detailing: Highly detailed bodyshell with etched radiator grille, turned brass whistle, lamp irons, handrails, pipework, and sprung buffers. Cab interior fully painted with flush glazing and opening cab doors.
• Couplings: NEM pockets with tension-lock couplers; cosmetic screwlink couplings included for display.

Mechanical & Electrical

• Drive: All six wheels powered via precision gearing; all-wheel electrical pickup.
• Weighting: Die-cast chassis provides excellent traction for shunting duties.
• Lighting: No factory-fitted lights; provision for speaker installation (15x11mm) for sound upgrades.

DCC Capability

DCC Ready with an 8-pin socket located on the chassis. Designed for straightforward decoder installation; later sound upgrades possible using the built-in speaker space.

Liveries Produced

The 2005 tooling appeared in a wide range of authentic liveries, including:

• BR Black (early emblem)
• BR Green (early and late crest)
• BR Blue with yellow ends
• InterCity
• Freightliner
• EWS
• GB Railfreight
• Network Rail
• First Great Western
• Cotswold Rail

Reviews & Commentary

The 2005 Hornby Class 08 was widely praised by the modelling press and enthusiasts for its leap in detail and performance compared to earlier Hornby versions. Reviewers highlighted its smooth running, excellent slow-speed control, and robust chassis. Forum discussions and YouTube reviews from the period noted its reliability and ease of DCC conversion, though some lamented the absence of factory lighting. Overall, it was considered one of the best shunter models available at the time.

Interesting Notes

• Opening cab doors and roof vent added working cosmetic features uncommon in shunters of the era.
• The tooling allowed multiple prototype variations (bodyside ladders, cab door styles) without separate moulds.

Class & Prototype

The British Rail Class 08 diesel-electric shunter represents Britain's most numerous locomotive class with 996 built 1952-1962. Powered by the reliable English Electric 6KT diesel engine producing 350-400hp, these 0-6-0 yard locomotives continue working after seven decades, with 100-170 still in active service alongside 87 preserved examples. The Class 08's universal deployment across freight yards, passenger stations, and industrial sidings from 1953 to present makes it the most versatile British diesel for model railway layouts.

Operator & Livery

The English, Welsh & Scottish Railway (EWS) operated Britain's largest rail freight network from 1996-2007, controlling 90% of the UK freight market. Formed by Wisconsin Central through acquisition of five British Rail freight companies, EWS revolutionised British freight transport with 250 new General Motors Class 66 locomotives and distinctive maroon and gold livery featuring the famous "three beasties" logo. The company was acquired by Deutsche Bahn in 2007, eventually becoming today's DB Cargo UK while maintaining its freight market dominance.

The EWS maroon and gold livery was introduced in April 1996, with the first locomotive to receive the scheme being Class 37 number 37057, which emerged from Toton Depot on 25 April 1996 to coincide with the launch of the English, Welsh & Scottish brand. The colour specification featured maroon bodysides, roofs and ends with black underframes and buffer beams, standard UK yellow warning panels, and a distinctive gold stripe running centrally between the cab ends.

To ensure accurate colour consistency, a sample plate was flown from Wisconsin Central's American operations to Britain, where British paints were mixed to match this standard. Interestingly, when Class 66 and 67 locomotives were later built by General Motors, another sample plate was sent to the manufacturer, resulting in a slightly lighter shade than the original British mix.

The livery evolved through several variations. Early applications from April 1996 featured "EW&S" lettering (including the ampersand) in Arial typeface within the gold band. From January 1997, this was simplified to "EWS" with improved Gill Sans typeface - continuing a tradition established by the LNER in the 1920s and used by British Railways until the 1960s.

The gold band width varied by locomotive class - most received 600mm bands, but Classes 37, 58, and 73 looked better with 550mm bands due to their distinctive body shapes. Company lettering and locomotive numbers appeared in maroon within the gold stripe with 20mm clearance from the band edges, positioned at opposite ends on each side of the locomotive.

For model railway enthusiasts, specialist paint manufacturers like Phoenix Paints produce authentic colour matches, with their E.W.&S. Red (P193) and E.W.&S. Gold (P194) paints matched to original Wisconsin Central colour panels. Alternative options include RailMatch EWS Maroon (1255) which many modellers prefer for value and colour accuracy.

The EWS maroon and gold scheme became one of the most recognisable railway liveries in modern British history, remaining in use until Deutsche Bahn's acquisition in 2007 and the subsequent adoption of DB Schenker corporate red livery from 2009.