Tri-ang R388

Tooling

Tri-ang introduced its OO gauge model of the British Rail Class 77 (originally EM2) in 1961, reflecting the real locomotives built for the Woodhead Route between Manchester and Sheffield. These Co-Co electric locomotives were distinctive for their use of 1500V DC overhead supply and were among the most powerful British electric locomotives of their era. Tri-ang’s release coincided with growing interest in modern traction and overhead electrification, making the EM2 a flagship model in their range.

Tooling Features

• Construction: Combination of plastic body and metal chassis.
• Detailing: Factory-fitted separate details including cross-arm pantographs, cab and footplate detail, interior glazing, and underframe components such as battery boxes. Wheels were chemically blackened for improved realism.
• Couplings: Fixed tension-lock couplers mounted to the chassis.
• Body Removal: Secured by screws for straightforward maintenance.

Mechanical & Electrical Specification

• Motor: 3-pole motor mounted in one bogie (power bogie only).
• Drive: Direct drive to four wheels on the powered bogie.
• Pickups: Two-rail DC collection via wheels; pantograph provided as a working cosmetic feature for overhead supply simulation.
• Lighting: No factory lighting provision.
• Weighting: Metal chassis provided adequate traction; some models featured Tri-ang’s “Magnadhesion” for improved grip on steel track.

DCC Capability

The original tooling predates digital control. It is DCC compatible but not DCC-ready; conversion requires a complete rewire. There is no factory socket or speaker provision.

Liveries Produced

• BR Electric Blue (late 1950s–1960s).
• BR Green with late crest.
• Some boxed sets included named locomotives such as Electra, Aurora, and Pandora.

Reviews & Commentary

Period reviews praised the EM2 for its imposing size and smooth running, though detailing was considered basic by modern standards. Enthusiasts valued its pulling power and reliability, especially when paired with Tri-ang’s steel track systems. Modern collectors note that flange depth can cause issues on contemporary fine-scale track, and conversion to DCC requires careful insulation and rewiring.

Media & Social Media

The Class 77 remains a popular subject in vintage model railway communities. Numerous restoration and servicing videos exist, including pantograph repairs and motor overhauls. Collectors often share nostalgia for the model’s role in introducing electric traction to British OO layouts.

Interesting Facts

• The real EM2 locomotives were withdrawn in 1968 and sold to Nederlandse Spoorwegen, where they ran until the mid-1980s.
• Tri-ang’s EM2 was among the largest OO electric models of its time, reflecting the prototype’s express passenger role.

Class & Prototype

No prototype found.

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.