BR Class 46 010 Blue

BR Class 46 010 Blue

1:120 scale model produced by Rapido Trains. This model is ready-to-run straight out of the box and would make a excellent addition to any model railway collection.

Details

Bring the legendary British Rail 'Peak' diesel fleet to your TT:120 layout with the highly detailed Rapido Trains UK Class 45 and Class 46 locomotives. Developed using original archive material and official engineering drawings, these models faithfully capture the appearance and character of one of Britain's most iconic diesel locomotive classes.

This model features directional lighting, illuminated cab interiors, an etched metal radiator fan grille and an impressive array of separately fitted details, including lamp irons and windscreen wipers, creating a highly authentic appearance straight from the box. Front and rear NEM coupling pockets ensure compatibility with other TT:120 rolling stock and make operation on modern layouts effortless.

Factory-fitted speaker in every model, bogie-mounted NEM coupling pockets, etched radiator fan grille, separately fitted windscreen wipers, outer bogie sandboxes, and optional buffer beam hoses provide exceptional realism and straightforward DCC sound installation.

Features:

• 1:120 Scale Model
• Analogue DC Model
• This model mainly operates in Britain
• Decorated in BR company markings
• Best suited to 365mm radius curves
• BR Class 46 No. 46010 in BR Blue with sealed beam headlights
• Bodyside steps removed with lower bodyside grille
• Smooth-running motor and drive mechanism
• Next18 decoder socket with HM7000 compatibility
• Directional lighting

Historical Background

The British Rail Class 45 and Class 46 diesel-electric locomotives, collectively known as the 'Peaks', were developed from the successful Class 44 as part of British Railways' Modernisation Plan. Built between 1960 and 1963 at Derby Works, with many Class 45s also constructed at Crewe Works, they featured an upgraded 2,500hp Sulzer 12LDA28-C diesel engine, offering 200hp more than the earlier Class 44. While the Class 44 locomotives were named after British mountains, many Class 45s were instead named after distinguished British Army regiments, although the "Peak" nickname remained firmly associated with the entire family.

A total of 127 Class 45s and 56 Class 46s entered service. Although visually almost identical, the Class 46 featured Brush electrical equipment in place of the Crompton-Parkinson system used on the Class 44 and Class 45. Both classes became synonymous with the Midland Main Line, hauling express passenger services from London St Pancras to Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham, while also working freight and cross-country services across Britain. Their versatility saw them operating everywhere from the West Country and Dawlish sea wall to Trans-Pennine routes and heavy freight duties.

The arrival of High Speed Trains (HSTs) during the late 1970s and newer freight locomotives gradually displaced the Peaks from their principal duties. Withdrawals began in 1980, with the final Class 46 leaving service in 1984 and the last operational Class 45s surviving until 1989. One Class 46, No. 46009, achieved lasting fame when it was deliberately destroyed during British Rail's nuclear flask crash test at Old Dalby in July 1984, proving the strength of nuclear fuel transport flasks. Fortunately, preservationists rescued 12 Class 45s and three Class 46s, ensuring these iconic diesel locomotives continue to represent an important chapter in Britain's diesel railway heritage.