Hornby R3886

Class & Prototype

The British Rail Class 66, introduced in 1998, revolutionized UK freight operations with American EMD reliability. Built as the JT42CWR model with a 12-cylinder 710 engine producing 3,300 horsepower, these Co-Co diesels achieved 95% availability versus 65% for the Class 47s they replaced. Approximately 412 locomotives remain operational across DB Cargo UK, GB Railfreight, Freightliner, DRS and Colas Rail, dominating intermodal container services, aggregates, steel, biomass and infrastructure traffic. The class's 27-year production run ended in 2016 with 66779 "Evening Star" due to EU emissions regulations. No replacements are expected before the 2040s, ensuring continued prototype relevance. The Class 66 offers modellers exceptional livery diversity across all major operators, making it essential for any British layout from 1998 onwards.

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

Direct Rail Services (DRS) is Britain's premier nuclear transport and commercial rail freight operator, established in 1995 by British Nuclear Fuels Limited to handle the safe movement of nuclear materials. Now owned by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority through Nuclear Transport Solutions, DRS has evolved into one of the UK's leading freight companies whilst maintaining its core nuclear transport mission.

Operating from major depots at Carlisle Kingmoor, Crewe Gresty Bridge, and Motherwell, DRS runs a modern fleet including cutting-edge Class 68 diesels and revolutionary Class 88 bi-mode locomotives alongside heritage Class 37s and specialist Class 20/3s. The company's distinctive blue and grey livery has become synonymous with operational excellence and technical innovation.

DRS's commercial success centres on its partnership with Tesco, operating ten dedicated rail routes carrying over 12,000 containers monthly, whilst infrastructure support services include rail head treatment, snow clearance, and rescue locomotive provision. The company's commitment to environmental leadership delivers 76% fewer CO2 emissions compared to road transport, with Class 88 locomotives achieving additional efficiency gains through dual-mode electric/diesel operation.

Key Facts:

• Founded: 1995 (30 years of operation)
• Owner: Nuclear Decommissioning Authority via Nuclear Transport Solutions
• Headquarters: Carlisle Kingmoor Depot
• Fleet: Class 20/3, 37, 66/4, 68, 88 locomotives
• Specialty: Nuclear transport, intermodal freight, infrastructure support
• Major Contract: Tesco (12,000+ containers/month across 10 routes)
• Environmental Impact: 76% CO2 reduction vs road transport

The Malcolm Rail livery was introduced on Direct Rail Services Class 66 locomotives to celebrate the operator’s long-standing partnership with the Malcolm Group in intermodal traffic. The design built on the standard DRS colour palette but added a striking promotional finish: a deep navy-blue base overlaid with a blue gradient panel and large “MALCOLM RAIL” branding in bold white. A sweeping red swoosh ran along the bodyside, while the Malcolm Group’s thistle motif appeared toward the rear, reinforcing the Scottish identity of the logistics company. Standard yellow cab ends and dark grey roof panels completed the look.

This vibrant and eye-catching scheme stood out within the DRS fleet, contrasting with the more restrained Compass livery. Applied to locomotives such as 66434, it gave a clear visual link to Malcolm’s container flows, projecting a strong shared identity between customer and operator and making the trains instantly recognisable on the UK network.