BR Locomotives

My main interest has always been in the locomotives, particularly diesel, electric and gas turbine. I'm afraid the venerable steam engine comes fourth, but a very close fourth and they do run on the layout!

My long term aim has been to have a model of every type of diesel, electric and gas turbine locomotive that has run on a British railway. This might sound a little daunting at first, but every major British Rail diesel class is, will or has been available. We're just waiting for the Dapol Class 21, 29 and 68! Electrics are a little more tricky as there seems to be little interest in modelling them. I think this is down to the problems of finding and installing suitable overhead catenary. However, Olivia's/Heljan, Trix and Tri-ang have made the DC Class 76 and 77's between them and Bachmann, Heljan, Dapol and Hornby have covered Classes 81, 85, 86, 87, 88, 90, 91 and 92.

The rest are in the whole available as kits from various manufacturers. Silver Fox and Judith Edge being notable in filling the gaps.

The much maligned First Generation DMU's are now gradually being covered with Bachmann's excellent efforts with DC Kits filling some of the gaps.

EMU's are a little more tricky. Southern Region EMU's have always been popular and numerous RTR and kits are now available to make up quite a number of the earlier types. 25kV AC are a little more difficult, but Southern Pride's Class 304, 310 and 312 go someway along with DC Kits offerings. It is a pity Bachmann chose to model a Class 350 Desiro rather than a Class 304 or 310. At least the Class 310/312 would have been company for their excellent Class 85 and could have featured on both LMR and East Anglian layouts in a variety of liveries!