Hornby R3910

British Rail Class 73 73964 Jeanette GB Railfreight Blue & Orange

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: 73964
  • Name: Jeanette

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

  • Operator: GB Railfreight
  • Livery: Blue & Orange
  • Era: 11 - Present Day

GB Railfreight (GBRf) is the UK's third-largest rail freight operator, established in 1999 and currently owned by Infracapital (M&G plc subsidiary). Operating over 2,000 trainloads weekly with an exceptional 99% reliability rate, the company moves approximately 23% of Britain's rail freight using a fleet of 170 locomotives and 1,800 wagons. GBRf serves major ports including Felixstowe, Southampton, and London Gateway with 54 daily intermodal services nationally, whilst also providing vital infrastructure services for Network Rail, London Underground, and major construction projects like HS2.

The company is renowned for pioneering the innovative Class 69 conversion programme, transforming redundant Class 56 locomotives with modern EMD 710 engines, and for operating diverse heritage livery schemes that celebrate British railway history. With headquarters and control centre in Peterborough and maintenance facilities at Tonbridge, GB Railfreight employs over 1,400 people and has committed to achieving net-zero operations by 2050, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable freight transport whilst maintaining strong partnerships with customers including Network Rail, Drax, Aggregate Industries, and major shipping lines.

The first batch of Class 66s, delivered in 2001, introduced GB Railfreight’s original Blue & Orange livery. This featured a dark blue body with bold orange cantrail stripes and orange cab sides extending back to the inner edges of the cab doors, combined with high-visibility yellow front ‘bib’ panels. Large orange “GBRf” lettering dominated the bodysides, with running numbers applied prominently at the cab ends. This striking yet simple scheme established the corporate identity that has underpinned GBRf’s visual branding ever since.