We're excited to announce that we're now stocking this new etched brass model of the iconic 'Woodhead Electric' Class 76 EM1 electric locomotive in O Gauge!

We have obtained stocks of some of the latest brand new Ace Trains O Gauge releases direct from the supplier. This includes some new locomotives being introduced to the UK market for the first time! These models are suitable for operation on both 2 and 3 rail O Gauge layouts.

We're starting by launching a Sheffield Icon - the famous EM1 / Class 76 only whilst stocks last. Further types of locomotives will be available shortly, keep checking back on this page for the latest new releases!

ACE Trains have established their products as the most desirable and collectable O gauge model trains available today – faithful to time honoured traditions of craftsmanship and attention to detail, which were established in the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

The prototype, LNER No. 6701, was completed at Doncaster Works in 1941 to a design by Sir Nigel Gresley, but electrification of the Manchester Sheffield route for what it was intended, together with construction of five similar locos, was delayed by WW2.

In 1947, by this time numbered 6000, it was loaned to Dutch Railways to help with their post-war shortage of locomotives.

While in the Netherlands, it gained the name 'Tommy' after the nickname given to British soldiers during WW2.

When it was returned to the UK in 1952 it was officially named 'Tommy', with a commemorative nameplate and ran for the rest of its working life with that nameplate. The LNER assigned it the classification EM1.

It was re-numbered 26000 following the formation of British Railways in 1948.

Between 1950 and 1953, a further 57 locomotives were built at Gorton locomotive works, Manchester to the same design; these were also classified as Class 76, under the TOPS classification scheme introduced on 28 March 1968, and were fitted with twin diamond-shaped pantographs. At certain points on the Woodhead Line, notably in the vicinity of steam locomotive water-columns, the electric overhead lines were as high as 20 feet above the tracks. The pantographs had to stretch to almost their full height to reach the wires at some points, as well as collecting current from side contact collection under any weather condition. The first section of the Manchester to Sheffield Woodhead route, between Dunford Bridge and Wath, was not electrified until 4 February 1952. The lines between London Liverpool Street and Shenfield had already been electrified in September 1949, using the same 1500 V DC system. In 1950, the first ten locomotives built were sent to Ilford depot in Essex for trials.