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 Rail (1965-1997) transformed Britain's railways through revolutionary modernisation, introducing the iconic double arrow logo, Rail Blue livery, and business sectorisation. BR pioneered high-speed rail with the InterCity 125 and Advanced Passenger Train, electrified major routes, and created profitable divisions like InterCity and Network SouthEast. From steam succession through diesel and electric development to privatisation preparation, British Rail's diverse locomotive fleet, multiple livery schemes, and operational scenarios provide unparalleled variety for railway modellers across all scales and periods.

BR Blue, also known as Rail Blue or Monastral Blue, was introduced in 1965 as part of British Rail's comprehensive corporate identity overhaul that accompanied the rebranding from British Railways to British Rail. The colour was officially defined by British Standards BR28/6001 (airless spray finish) and BR28/5321 (brush finish), representing a dark, greyish blue tone specifically chosen to hide dirt and weathering effects well.

The livery was prototyped on the experimental XP64 train in 1964 before becoming the standard scheme from 1 January 1965. Rail Blue was applied to all diesel and electric locomotives with yellow warning panels (initially small, then extending to full yellow ends from 1966). The standardised application included the iconic double arrow logo and Rail Alphabet typeface, creating one of the most successful transport corporate identities of the 20th century.

The livery dominated British Rail operations for over two decades until sectorisation in the 1980s began fragmenting the unified appearance. Despite initial colour fading problems in early applications, these were resolved by the late 1970s when the Large Logo variant was introduced featuring extended yellow areas and full-height double arrow symbols. Rail Blue's enduring appeal among railway enthusiasts reflects its role as the definitive British Rail image during the organisation's most unified period.