Hornby R2964 East Coast High Speed Train 125 Class 43 TTS Fitted- Limited Edition for Modelzone

Description

Hornby R2964 East Coast High Speed Train 125 Class 43

Prototype:

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. The ex (National Exprees livery ran until the Virgin Trains Livery was applied in 2015 / 2016.

Production Details:

Hornby East Coast Class 43 HST Train Pack. Previously a Model Zone exclusive. Class: 43, Dimensions: 235mm, Motor: 5 Pole Skew Wound, Originally DCC Ready: Now DCC TTS Sound Fitted, Finish: Pristine.

Special Features: Extensive Detail

Technical Specification of the model