1n 1973 - the same year that Hornby started to market the German manufactured Minitrix models, the readers of the German Magazine "Eisenbahn Magazin" voted the Minitrix model of the 2-10-0 BR 52, their model of the year.

Hornby were always trying to find ways to introduce new models without having to take the brunt of the initial set-up and tooling costs.  By 1975 the 6 models to date had all used chassis that could be traced back to German models that were already available on the market.

Here was a model that may be possible to modify easily to represent the the extremely successful real life 2-10-0 Class 9F designed by Robert Riddles.  They were used successfully for very heavy freight trains and proved to be entirely suited for passenger trains, reaching speeds of up to 90 mph.  The locos were withdrawn from service between 1964 and 1968 and the last ever steam locomotive to be built by British Rail was a 9F - the only one to be painted in BR Green - 92220 Evening Star.

In the Hornby Minitrix model, there had to be compromises and for purists, the model does not stand close scrutiny.  The cylinders are parallel in the model, but are angled in the original.  The model loco body is the same body as used on the Minitrix Britannia model, with a small section cut out of the faintly moulded pipe-work above the rear drive wheel.
The valve gear sticks slightly more than on other Minitrix models and is in danger of striking platforms if sufficient gap is not left.  The tender is identical to the one used on the Britannia models - but this looks correct on both locos.

Pat Hammond's excellent "Story of Rovex Volume 3" reports that 15,000 Black 9F models were sold as Hornby Minitrix from 1975 to 1987.  The Evening Star, which was introduced by Hornby in 1975 sold another 4,000.   Minitrix also listed both models in their German Catalogues and presumably sold many more of both models - the black 51-2058-00 and the Evening Star as 51-2041-00.

Initially, both models were sold in the polystyrene and card boxes. The green Evening Star model was later sold in perspex boxes - but I have only ever seen Hornby Minitrix 9Fs in polystyrene and card.  Evening Star in its later correct Br Green livery, I have only ever seen in Minitrix Perspex boxes.  There may have been a period before 1987 when other combinations of colour and boxes existed.