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Class 71

The Class 71 locomotives (HA) were another electric booster design and are one of the few types to have a curved body profile, the Western Class 52 being the other one (both designed by Sir Misha Black).

This is a DC Kits model, modified in my usual fashion. Moulded handrails were removed and replaced with separate wire handrails. I find 0.45mm nickel silver wire excellent for the purpose. Sprung buffers and interior cab detail. The bogie sideframes needed a of of extra wiring detail adding.

The model is motorised with a Black Beetle motor bogie fitted with the correct spoked wheels. The pantograph is a standard Sommerfeldt scissors type, but will be replaced with the more accurate version from Judith Edge Kits at some stage.

The model is finished in its original livery of Southern Coaching Stock Green with grey roof and window frames and numbered E5001. The body lining was interesting to do. The prototype is white/red/white. Needless to say, this wasn't available, so I used a thicker white line, waited for it to dry completely, then added the thinner red line on top.

This is DC only at the moment, but will be converted to DCC with working lights.

As usual, having built the kit, no less than two manufacturers are having a go at a RTR Class 71! DJ Models was the first to announce in July 2014. Hornby announced its model in November 2014 at the Warley Show. Hornby were the first to release in June 2016. DJ Models were quite a bit later, with theirs appearing in May 2017.  

The Hornby model certainly looks good. Having said that, there are issues, one being the body length, supposedly some 5mm short, but is correct over extended buffers. Apparently the pantograph is a bit fragile and has broken  on a few samples. Although Hornby's E5001 is described as being in 'as built' condition, it is not. The model carries the rain strips that were added during the first overhaul and the small vents in the windscreen pillars that were added later.

The DJ Models one also looks good and on the back of their orders, announced a follow on model of a Class 74 in October 2015.

As for me, I'm sticking with my kit built one, I'll spend the money on a kit of something not commercially made!

MTK had a go at producing a white metal kit of the Class 71 some time ago and it re-appeared later under the No Nonsense Kits (NNK) range later. Genesis Kits also produced a white metal version that I attempted some time ago. Golden Arrow also produced a resin body kit.