Hornby R3591

British Rail Class 73 E6002 British Railways Green

Contents

Tooling

Hornby significantly upgraded its British Rail Class 73 electro-diesel locomotive tooling in 2007, replacing earlier Lima-based models with a modern specification aimed at meeting contemporary expectations for accuracy and performance. This release marked a step forward in Hornby’s diesel range, offering improved detailing, enhanced mechanical design, and full DCC readiness. The Class 73 prototype remained popular for its dual-power capability, operating on Southern Region third-rail electrification and diesel power, making it a versatile choice for layouts spanning multiple eras.

The 2007 upgrade was widely praised for its accurate body profile, crisp moulding, and improved running qualities compared to earlier Lima-based models. Reviewers highlighted the smooth performance of the 5-pole motor and the ease of DCC conversion. Criticism was minimal, though some enthusiasts noted the absence of factory lighting and suggested that finer handrails could enhance realism. The model remains popular for its versatility and upgrade potential, with many examples fitted with sound and weathering by hobbyists.

Hornby’s Class 73 continues to feature prominently in YouTube reviews, Facebook groups, and model railway forums. Topics include sound installations, weathering projects, and comparisons with other manufacturers. The Pullman and Network SouthEast versions are particularly sought after by collectors, while RailRoad Plus sound-fitted editions have attracted attention for their value and modern control options.

Detailing: Factory-fitted separate details including horns, jumper cables, cab interiors, footplate detail, window wipers, and flush glazing. Underframe detail includes battery boxes, air tanks, fuel tanks, and third-rail pick-up shoes. Chemically blackened wheels enhance realism.

The tooling represents multiple sub-classes (73/0, 73/1, and 73/2) through variations in detail and livery.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: E6002

The British Rail Class 73 electro-diesel represents one of Britain's most versatile and longest-serving locomotive classes, designed in the early 1960s to solve the Southern Region's third-rail gap problem in goods yards. With dual 1,600hp electric and 600hp diesel modes (1,600hp diesel in Class 73/9 rebuilds), these Bo-Bo locomotives served prestigious duties from Gatwick Express to Venice Simplon Orient Express, and now operate Caledonian Sleeper services in Scotland. Of 49 built (6 Class 73/0, 43 Class 73/1), 39 survive with approximately 22 still operational, making them among British Rail's most enduring designs spanning over 60 years of continuous service.

Operator & Livery

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.