Hornby R3501

British Rail Class 91 91124 Virgin Trains East Coast Red & Silver

Contents

Tooling

Hornby introduced a significant upgrade to its British Rail Class 91 tooling in 2013, replacing the original 1990 design with a more refined model aimed at modern standards. This release coincided with renewed interest in East Coast Main Line operations during the post-privatisation era, covering liveries from East Coast Trains and Virgin Trains East Coast. The 2013 tooling offered improved detailing and digital readiness while retaining affordability for mainstream modellers.

Contemporary reviews praised the improved body shape and finer detailing compared to the original 1990 tooling. However, criticism focused on the retention of a single-bogie drive and limited electrical features, which lagged behind competing models. Enthusiasts often describe the 2013 version as a "step forward but not a full retool," suitable for display and moderate layout use. Social media discussions highlight its affordability and ease of DCC conversion, though many modellers awaited a full redesign for enhanced performance.

Detailing: Roof electrical equipment, cab interior, flush glazing, and improved underframe detail compared to the 1990 version.

The 2013 upgrade marked Hornby’s transition toward digital-ready models, bridging the gap between legacy tooling and modern standards. Despite improved detailing, the model retained the basic mechanical concept of the original, which limited its appeal to performance-focused modellers.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: 91124

The British Rail Class 91 represents Britain's most advanced domestic electric locomotive, holding the 161.7 mph national speed record since 1989. Built at BREL Crewe Works between 1988-1991, these 31 locomotives pioneered unique body-mounted traction motors derived from Advanced Passenger Train research. Operating InterCity 225 services with Mark 4 coaches and Driving Van Trailers, the class served six operators across 36 years on the East Coast Main Line. Despite 140 mph design capability, signalling regulations limited operational speed to 125 mph. LNER currently operates 12 examples, with final withdrawal scheduled by end of 2028 when CAF Class 897 tri-mode units arrive. Hornby's exceptional 2022-tooled OO gauge models feature 21-pin DCC, five-pole motors, all-wheel drive, and directional LED lighting across multiple liveries from InterCity Swallow through GNER, Virgin Trains East Coast, and current LNER oxblood claret.

Operator & Livery