Lima L204631

British Rail Class 87 87006 George Reynolds Virgin Trains West Coast Red & Black

Contents

Tooling

Lima introduced its model of the British Rail Class 87 electric locomotive in 1979. At the time, Lima was known for producing affordable yet reasonably accurate models for UK modellers. The Class 87 represented a modern AC electric locomotive operating on the West Coast Main Line, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts during the late BR and early sectorisation eras.

Contemporary reviews and later commentary note that Lima’s Class 87 was visually accurate for its time, with good body proportions and crisp printing. However, the mechanism was basic, relying on a single bogie drive and limited pickups, which could lead to performance issues without maintenance. Enthusiasts often add weight, improve pickups, and fit modern motors or DCC decoders to enhance running. Despite its simplicity, many modellers regard it as a solid budget option and a candidate for upgrades.

On forums such as RMweb, users report that non-running examples are often revived with simple cleaning and lubrication. YouTube and hobby blogs feature guides for detailing and DCC conversion, highlighting the model’s generous internal space for upgrades. Collectors appreciate the wide range of liveries and its nostalgic appeal.

The original tooling is DCC compatible but not DCC ready. There is no factory-fitted socket; conversion requires hard-wiring a decoder and isolating the motor from the chassis.

Detailing: Includes roof electrical components, cab interiors, detailed glazing, and underframe mouldings.

The tooling remained in production for decades, with minor variations, before Hornby’s acquisition of Lima.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: 87006
  • Name: George Reynolds

The British Rail Class 87 represented BR's most successful express electric locomotive, with 36 built at Crewe Works 1973-1975 for West Coast Main Line services. Delivering 5,000hp continuously through revolutionary body-mounted traction motors with Flexicoil suspension, these Bo-Bo electrics hauled premier Anglo-Scottish expresses at 110mph for three decades. Named to celebrate Anglo-Scottish connections, the class served from Electric Scot inauguration in 1974 until Virgin's final service in December 2006. Twenty-one locomotives exported to Bulgaria continue freight operations, whilst 87002 Royal Sovereign remains UK's only operational example. Available as Hornby OO gauge and Dapol N gauge models in multiple liveries spanning BR Blue through InterCity Swallow to Virgin red.

Operator & Livery