Introduction
The UK's London, Brighton and South Coast Railway (known as the LB&SCR or Brighton Line) was formed on 27th July 1846 by the amalgamation of the London & Brighton Railway and the London & Croydon Railway. At its peak the railway formed a triangle with its base along the south coast from Portsmouth to Hastings and its apex in London.
The line was amalgamated along with four other major companies (the 2018-05-22London & South Western Railway; the South Eastern Railway; the London Chatham & Dover Railway; and the 2018-05-22South Eastern & Chatham Railway), and a number of minor ones, into the Southern Railway by Act of Parliament with effect from 1st January 1923.
The LB&SCR inspired a great loyalty among its staff and supporters, lasting well after most visible remnants had disappeared. This was primarily due to the beautiful yellow ochre livery carried by the locomotives in the William Stroudley & Robert Billinton periods. Several locomotives have been preserved and some are still running today on heritage railways.
There have been many books and articles published over the years of the different aspects of the railway company which shows the continuing interest. There is an historical society (the Brighton Circle) which continues researching the old Brighton Line and publishing their knowledge. Many modellers have also been inspired to recreate the atmosphere of the LB&SCR supported by an active "cottage-industry" of models and parts, often aided by advice from members of the Circle.
Press release: 4mm scale E1 No.110 in Marsh black from Rapido
Rapido Trains UK in conjunction with the Brighton Circle are pleased to announce an all-new livery for their forthcoming E1 0-6-0 tank.
Locomotive No.110 (now preserved at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway) will now be available in Marsh-era goods black livery with double red lining suitable for between 1912 to the locomotive’s sale into industry in 1924. Whilst there had been previous plans to offer this livery with another retailer the plans fell through, and the livery was not retrospectively added into the standard range.
After a recent approach from Brighton Circle, Rapido Trains UK have agreed to offer this livery to modellers– subject to enough orders being placed prior to the orderbook closing date in early April.
The model will only be available direct from Rapido Trains UK via their website on behalf of the Brighton Circle who will donate the profits to LB&SCR-related preservation projects. A minimum of 100 orders will be required for the model to proceed. Both DCC Ready and DCC SOUND versions will be available.
With a new livery being added to the E1 there is no better time to be a Brighton modeller – keep your eyes peeled for further projects in the future or sign up to the Rapido Trains UK Newsletter to find out the latest announcements.
Rapido Trains UK would like to thank the Brighton Circle and its members for their encouragement, help and support with this and future projects.
You can order your model of 110 by clicking the link below:
E1 No.110 Marsh Lined Black – Rapido Trains UK
It is worth reiterating again - this will only go ahead if enough orders are placed.
December 2023: Web-site update
Eric Gates has compiled Issue 18 of the Modellers' Digest.
June 2023
Issue 17 of the Modellers' Digest.