Bachmann 37/4 tooling changes

[davebem]

Does anyone know at what point Bachmann made tooling changes to the 37/4s and what changes have been made in the latest batches?? I currently have the limited edition 37411 (which was an earlier release), and planning to add several others to my Scottish based fleet but want to know whats different between the different models since the originals were released??

 

For example id like to know if the latest examples have working tail lights??

 

Cheers,

[Matt]

The big differences came a couple of years back when Bach responded to criticism of the original 37/4 bodyshape and brought out one that was a complete new bodyshell. Main differences AFAIK relate to the shape of the cantrail which avoids the much criticised "porches" over the drivers door. Believe other changes relate to the lower bodyside panelling. They also put far better (etched) fan grilles on the roof and included opening doors to the cabs. Lighting at both ends and cab lights too.

 

The first batch to feature these changes were 37410 in Large Logo, 37411 in EWS and 37672 in Transrail. The latter has a few differences to the 37/4s in having different nose end grilles and cantrail grilles. A sound fitted 376xx in coal livery also followed closely.

 

A few limited editions then followed of which the 37/4 I know of was 37427 from Rails of Sheffield in the Scotrail Regional Railways one off livery. Also a ltd ed 37/6 in coal livery.

 

Last year they brought out 37406 in RFD and 37428 in RF petrol liveries. Strangely depsite getting nose ends right on 410, 411 and 427 they managed to get 406 and 428 wrong by including headcode brackets that definately were not there on the real locos (the nose ends from 410, 411 and 427 would have done fine for this job!).

 

Most of the above locos would have run in Scotland depending on your era - certainly 410 during late 80s, 411 in recent times, 427 in mid 90s, ltd ed coal 37/6, 406 & 428 all early 90s.

 

406 & 428 are still readily available but I suspect for other models you will be looking to ebay or other secondhand sites to pick up. Don't be tempted to pay over the odds though since they are in fairly ready supply - the rails ltd ed was a really bad seller and should be easily picked up for price of a "normal" model!

 

Hope this helps,

 

Matt

[St. Simon]

Hi,

 

Another difference is that the first batch (37410, 37411 & 37672) have bright white cab interior lights, which were critised for being to bright, since then, Bachmann have replaced the the White lights with much dimer and more prototypical yellow lighting

 

It wasn't much of a change, but it does make a difference!

 

Simon

[magic_monkey09]

the bogie brake cylinders on the latest 37406 and 428 have been made bigger to match the prototypes. The orginals were much to slim. There are new LED bulbs in the headcode which are now frosted in appearance rather than the previous clear ones. The detailing parts have also been improved with the addition of screwlink couplers.