R30530 - Hornby - OO - RailRoad BR Intercity Class 73 73235

RailRoad Class 73 235 Intercity Swallow

1:76 scale model produced by Hornby. This model is ready-to-run straight out of the box and would make a excellent addition to any model railway collection.

Details

Add a versatile Southern Region classic to your layout with the Hornby RailRoad Class 73 No. 73235, finished in the distinctive BR InterCity Swallow livery. Combining electric and diesel power in a single locomotive, the Class 73 became one of Britain's most adaptable locomotive classes, handling everything from prestigious passenger services to freight and engineering trains across Southern England.

Part of the dependable Hornby RailRoad range, this OO gauge model offers reliable operation and excellent value, making it ideal for both new and experienced railway modellers. Finished in the attractive InterCity Swallow colour scheme, No. 73235 represents a locomotive from the later years of British Rail, when Class 73s could be found working a wide variety of duties across the Southern network.

Compact yet powerful in appearance, this model is perfectly suited to modern image layouts and provides an excellent addition to any BR-era diesel and electric locomotive fleet.

Designed as part of the Hornby RailRoad range, this Class 73 offers robust construction and dependable performance for regular operation. The model features a durable bodyshell with accurately applied InterCity Swallow branding and period-correct detailing.

A 21-pin decoder socket allows straightforward DCC conversion using compatible HM7000 equipment, making it easy to upgrade for digital operation. Its compact size makes it suitable for a wide variety of layouts, from busy main lines to freight terminals and depot scenes, accurately reflecting the versatility of the prototype.

Features:

• 1:76 Scale Model
• Analogue DC Model
• This model mainly operates in Britain
• Decorated in Intercity company markings
• Best suited to 438mm radius curves
• Authentic BR InterCity Swallow livery
• 21-pin DCC decoder socket compatible with the Hornby HM7000 system
• Accurate headcodes displaying '20' at one end and red marker lights at the other
• Reliable motor designed for smooth and dependable operation
• Durable RailRoad specification bodyshell with accurate livery application

Historical Background

The British Rail Class 73 was introduced in 1963 as a unique electro-diesel locomotive, designed specifically for operation on the Southern Region's extensive third-rail electrified network. Unlike conventional electric locomotives, the Class 73 could also operate away from the electrified system thanks to an onboard diesel engine.

Using 650–750V DC power collected from the third rail, the locomotives were capable of handling passenger and freight duties efficiently across Southern England. When operating beyond the electrified network or within sidings and depots where third-rail power was unavailable, a 600-horsepower diesel engine enabled continued operation without the need for assistance.

A total of 49 locomotives were built, all equipped from new for push-pull operation with Southern Region multiple units. Their flexibility quickly made them indispensable, working prestigious passenger services, parcels trains, freight duties and engineering trains. The class enjoyed an exceptionally long service life and remains one of the most distinctive and versatile locomotive designs ever to operate on Britain's railway network.