Description
Hornby R3808 Cross Country Class 43 HST 125 Power Cars 43357 and 43304 – Era 10 Pack
Description
Originally numbered as 43085 and 43104 respectively, 43357 was delivered into service on 25 March 1978 and 43304 on 14 October 1978. Operational life was extended by Brush Traction when MTU Power Units were fitted, 43357 being so fitted between November 2007 and 13 August 2008, with 43304 following it by going into Brush’s Works the next day and being returned on 12 December 2008.
Originally conceived as a cheaper, more reliable alternative to the Advanced Passenger Train in the early 1970s, the British Railways Board authorised the development of a prototype High Speed Diesel Train with two locomotives designated as Class 41. These aerodynamic power cars were constructed by BREL at their Crewe Works and emerged in June and August 1972, fitted with Paxman Valenta 12RP200L engines, developing 2,250 hp.
In 1987, for trial purposes, eight of the Class 43s were converted for use as Driving Vehicles with the Class 89 and Class 91 locomotives. The power cars were fitted with buffers and Time Division Multiplex (TDM) equipment that allowed them to directly control the other locomotive. Following the delivery of Mark 4 stock, the TDM equipment was removed and the power cars reverted to their normal duties.
During the late 1990s, twenty five of the Class 43s were updated with Paxman 12VP185L engines in an attempt to reduce fuel consumption and emissions; however these proved to be less reliable in service than was hoped. The HST fleet has seen many changes to the operating companies since privatisation in 1993, but Class 43 driven sets continue to operate nationwide, courtesy of First Great Western, Virgin East Coast, East Midlands Trains, Grand Central, Cross-Country and Network Rail.
Technical Specification of the model
Gauge |
00 |
Length |
2 x 235mm |
DCC Type |
DDC Ready but Dual TTS Digital Sound Fitted with Mega Base Speakers available at an additional cost of £100. Please send email tosales@insidelinemodels.comrequesting this option to be added to your order. |
Lighting |
Bi-directional front white (3 of) rear red (2 of) |
Period/ERA |
Era 11 – Post – privatisation |
Operator/Livery |
Cross Country |
Designer |
Sir Kenneth Grange |
Entered Service |
1978 |
Minimum Curve |
R2 |
Motor |
5 Pole Skew Wound |
Wheel Configuration |
Bo-Bo |
No of Axles Driven |
Motorised Car – 4 driven through double flywheel and Cardan driveshafts |
Cab |
Detailed and internal LED lighting with manual opening cab doors |
Drive |
Drive on all axles of the motorised car using Cardan shafts coupling from motor to drive boggy gearboxes. |
Build Structure |
Plastic body and cast alloy chassis on the motorised car with plastic chassis on the non-motorised car. Roof body and bogie detailing. Mainly this for locos, but Hornby Railroad can be all plastic. variable by model |
Age Suitability |
14+ years |