It's been a locomotive long associated with, with it being mooted as a possible commission as we began our journey as a fully fledged British outline model railway manufacturer.

That sadly did not work out, but it seemed a real shame to leave the research and an exclusive agreement with GB Railfreight to produce the locomotives in 00 gauge to gather dust on the shelf. This is especially so when it fits into our range so seamlessly, you all want to see it in model form, and it fills a significant gap in ready-to-run current outline locomotives.

So, let's get to it, and welcome the Wabtec/GBRf Class 73/9 locomotives to the Accurascale Exclusives range!

The Class 73/9: A Modern Hybrid Force

Watch Our Launch Video

The Class 73/9 subclass consists of 13 rebuilt Class 73 locomotives originally constructed in the 1960s. These rebuilds were split into two groups based on their new power units:

• MTU Engines (11 locomotives): Converted by GBRf and Wabtec at the former Brush works (Loughborough) starting in 2015. These form the bulk of the modern fleet and are the focus of our Class 73/9 model. 
• Cummins Engines (2 locomotives): Converted by RVEL in Derby for Network Rail. These differ significantly from the MTU fleet and are currently treated as a separate entity due to their variation and uncertain future. (Sorry, but we are not doing these!)

A Brief Look Back: The Original Class 73

The Class 73 started life with a unique mission. It could draw power from the Southern Region’s 750V DC third-rail network or use its onboard English Electric 4SRKT diesel engine.

Unfortunately, early power unit development meant the diesel engine generated only 600 hp—less than half the power available from the third rail. This meant the '73s primarily relied on "the juice," using diesel only for non-electrified areas like yards and engineering work.

Construction was split between BR’s Eastleigh Works (Class 73/0) and English Electric's Vulcan Foundry (Class 73/1). They were built to the narrow Hastings Gauge, making them invaluable across the network.

By the 2000s, the remaining fleet was showing its age, with power units having lost significant horsepower. The choice was clear: replace them entirely or invest in a full re-engineering project. The latter was chosen to maintain the locomotive's crucial "grandfather rights" on the network, avoiding the costly and lengthy certification of new rail vehicles.

The Repower Project: Creating a "Half-HST"

The repower and re-engineering project was undertaken by Wabtec at Loughborough, led by Bob Tiller of GBRf. Tiller, who previously led the successful HST repower, chose the same successful strategy for the 73.

The ageing English Electric unit was replaced with a new MTU 8V4000R43L engine capable of a massive 1600 hp, coupled with a new AC alternator. This power profile effectively earned the 73/9 the nickname of a "half-HST."

Key Visual and Mechanical Changes:

• Cooling Upgrade: The new engine required extensive cooling. The most visible change is the addition of large bodyside grilles on both sides of the locomotive, along with new vents and fans along the cantrail.
• Weight Management: The MTU engine was 3 tonnes lighter than the original, necessitating the fitting of additional ballast within the body to maintain the required weight for traction and braking.
• Total Overhaul: The project involved more than just an engine swap. The entire locomotive was stripped down, with only the bogies, drawgear, and bodyshell being retained and subject to a "nut and bolt" overhaul.
• Power Supply: Crucially, the increased output of the new diesel engine now allows the locomotive to supply train power (ETH) while still providing traction current..
• Advanced Startup: For reliability, the traditional traction batteries were replaced by a CAPOS (CApacitor POwer Storage) system for starting the power unit. This system also incorporates a pre-heater to reduce engine wear.

Phase 1 vs. Phase 2: A Subclass Within a Subclass

While all MTU 73/9s come from the same drawing board, they quickly split into two visually distinct groups based on their primary operator and duties.

Phase 1 Locomotives (The Southern Fleet)

Phase 2 Locomotives (The Caledonian Sleeper Fleet)

The Mk5 Coach Conversion

The arrival of the new Mk5 Caledonian Sleeper coaches necessitated further changes to the Phase 2 fleet:

1. The buckeye coupler was replaced with a Dellner, requiring the removal of the centre section of the large snowplough.
2. The rubbing plate was removed.
3. The centre cab window was opened and fitted with toughened glass and a dedicated wiper.
4. More recently, the third-rail shoes were removed, along with bogie flash guards, and two bodyside windows were replaced with grilles.

Despite their dedicated home ranges, both Phase 1 and Phase 2 locomotives occasionally venture far afield to cover maintenance or service needs, proving the continued utility and flexibility of this thoroughly modernised bi-mode workhorse.

Meet The Range

73962 – GBRf, Early

This locomotive started life as E6032 and entered service in May 1966. Under TOPS renumbering it became 73125, and later 73204 when allocated to the Gatwick Express fleet. 73962 was unveiled to the public (almost) at the Wabtec/Brush open day in August 2014, carrying a unique all-over GBRf blue livery. It was named Dick Mabbutt in a ceremony held in memory of respected Brush engineer Richard Mabbutt, who passed away unexpectedly in 2013 after 40 years of service. Our model recreates 73962 as it first entered service with GBRf, adorned with full Europorte branding.

73963 – GBRf, Early

73963 provides the perfect partner to 73962 as one of the original three rebuilt locomotives to enter traffic in 2014/2015. It began life as E6030, also in May 1966, becoming 73123 under TOPS and later 73206 as part of the Gatwick Express fleet. After conversion at Wabtec/Brush it was named Janice, the name previously carried by 73204 (73962) before rebuilding. Our model covers 73963 shortly after introduction, complete with full Europorte branding.

73961 – GBRf, Current

73961 was the first 73/9 to enter traffic during 2014. The former E6026 / 73120 / 73209 underwent test running at the Great Central Railway in Leicestershire in 2014, pairing with a variety of interesting traction. Although its paintwork weathered well, by 2024 it was looking distinctly work-worn and became the first 73/9 to re-enter the paint shop—this time at Eastleigh—where it received the slightly darker shade of GBRf blue currently in use. Our model represents the locomotive in present-day condition, including the cab-front bracket for NR equipment.

73965 – GBRf, Current

73965 entered GBRf service in 2015 alongside 73964. Completed alongside some of the Phase Two locomotives, it features several paint differences from the first three rebuilds, most noticeably on the grilles and the area above the cab windows. Originally unnamed, it was later given the name Des O’Brien in memory of a GBRf colleague who passed away from cancer. Notably, the naming took place at the same time—and on the opposite end of the train—as that of former Accurascale Exclusive 66769 Paul Taylor. Our model represents the locomotive in its current condition with nameplates, early “Brush” blue paint, cab-front bracket, and current GBRf branding.

73967 – Caledonian Sleeper, Early

This locomotive is one of two 73/9s that began life as JA-type Class 73s—although all traces of the JA specification were removed during rebuilding. E6006 was built at Eastleigh in November 1962 and later renumbered 73006 under TOPS. It was rebuilt at Brush/Wabtec during 2015 and entered Caledonian Sleeper traffic the same year. Our model represents 73967 as first adapted to work with the new Mk5 coaches, featuring the drop-head Dellner coupler and two-part snowploughs, while still retaining its third-rail equipment.

73968 – Caledonian Sleeper, Early

Partnering 73967 for the early Mk5 period is 73968. This locomotive was introduced as one of the first JB-type Class 73s in October 1965 as E6009, later becoming 73103. Our model represents 73968 in its initial Mk5-ready condition, equipped with a drop-head Dellner coupler and two-part snowploughs, while still retaining third-rail equipment.

73966 – Caledonian Sleeper, Current

Our current-day lineup includes 73966, the first of the Caledonian Sleeper 73/9s to be converted. Built in August 1962 at Eastleigh as E6005, it was the other ex-JA rebuilt machine, later becoming 73005 under TOPS. Our model depicts 73966 in its present condition, featuring the drop-head Dellner, removal of third-rail equipment, and replacement of the bodyside windows with grilles.

73970 – Caledonian Sleeper, Current

The current-condition partner to 73966 is 73970. Converted from JB-type E6023 / 73117, built in March 1966 at the Vulcan Foundry, it entered Caledonian Sleeper service in 2016. On 24 May 2024, at a ceremony at the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, it became the only named Caledonian Sleeper 73/9 when it received the name W. S. Sellar in memory of a founding member of the SRPS—a name previously carried by 37175 before its sale from preservation to Colas Rail. Our model depicts 73970 in its current condition with drop-head Dellner, third-rail equipment removed, bodyside grille modifications, and nameplates.

A Tooling Hungry Model

One of the significant characteristics of the Class 73/9 is the sheer amount of modifications over an original Class 73, and not to mention the variations between class members. While this sets up the sort of research challenge we relish, it also does mean that the tooling cost for this model is significant to say the least, as we move to cover all the versions of the Wabtec/GBRf class members. This means that it is not a cheap model to produce due to the amount of tooling required!

However, price is a conscious consideration as ever here at Accurascale, and in order to give you the museum quality model of the 73/9 at the most reasonable price-point possible, we can confirm that this new locomotive will be the latest addition to our "Accurascale Exclusives" range of models, available only direct via our website. This helps keep the cost affordable for modellers! 

We also love to add value to our offerings, and our famous bundle deals will be offered on these locomotives as they're famous for running in pairs. 

So, how about this for prices:

• DC/DCC Ready single locomotive: £179.99
• DCC Sound Fitted: £279.99
• Buy 2 locomotives, get 10% off! 

Amazing value, and that's before we mention free UK postage and packaging, our 3% cashback as loyalty bonus points and our lifetime warranty!

So, what are you waiting for? Place your pre-order below for a Q4 2026 delivery! Need to sleep on it? Or "need some sleepers to go with one?" Well, keep an eye out for an announcement in the coming days which may suit your needs.... 

Browse The Class 73/9 Range And Pre-Order Here!