The LMS Stanier Class 8F 2-8-0 was one of Britain’s most numerous and successful steam locomotives, and after producing award winning models of the iconic type for its Graham Farish N Scale range, ninety years since the first example emerged from the LMS’s Crewe Works it’s time to welcome OO scale models of the 8F to Bachmann’s Branchline range for the first time. 

Designed by William Stanier for the London, Midland & Scottish Railway (LMS), the 8F was the modern solution that the LMS had been looking for to reduce dependency on its overstretched fleet of 0-6-0s, and its ageing 0-8-0s. The 2-8-0s built by Stanier’s former employer the Great Western Railway (GWR) had already revolutionised locomotive design and performance, and Stanier incorporated several design cues from those successful machines into the 8F. 

The construction, operators and working lives of the 8Fs is complicated, but essentially 852 were built, albeit just 331 had been ordered by the LMS, the first of 
which was built at Crewe in 1935 and the last at Horwich in 1945. 

As the Second World War took hold, Robert Riddles, the Mechanical & Electrical Engineer for the LMS Scottish Region, who had been seconded to the Ministry of 
Supply, intervened when an order for 300 ROD 2-8-0s was placed. The ‘ROD’s had proven themselves invaluable during the First World War, but Riddles instead insisted that Stanier 8Fs would be the War Department’s standard steam locomotive for this new conflict. 

As a result, further orders were placed with a multitude of workshops across England and Scotland and 8Fs were built by all of the ‘Big 4’ – the GWR, LNER and Southern Railway (SR), as well as the LMS and outside contractors. The Ministry of Supply ordered 208 for the War Department, most of which were sent overseas, mainly to serve with the Middle East Forces of the British Army. Of the 8Fs that operated outside of Britain, some were lost in transit and never saw service, others were lost in action, and following the cessation of hostilities, many of the overseas machines were sold, mainly to state railways in the Middle East but some as far afield as China, whilst several returned to the UK. 

The Railway Executive Committee (REC), which took control of the Big 4 during World War Two, ordered 245 more for the LMS. These were built by the GWR, LNER and SR, with the GWR and LNER effectively being loaned the locomotives they had built until after the war.  

The LNER placed its own orders for Stanier’s design too, which is classified as O6, these came from Brighton Works (25) and its own Darlington (23) and Doncaster Works (20), totalling 68 locomotives. In all, 852 Stanier 8Fs had been built once the last examples were completed in 1945. 

By the time of Nationalisation in 1948, British Railways (BR) inherited a total of 624 8Fs; the LMS fleet of 331 was now notionally 311-strong following requisitions and re-acquisitions, but remember that they also effectively held ownership of the 245 REC locomotives and the 68 from the LNER. Following various repatriations, the BRfleet peaked at 666 between 1957 and 1960, with the overwhelming majority falling under the control of the London Midland Region, although a small number enjoyed allocations on the Western Region. 

For a fleet so large, variations were few and far between, the most obvious being the use of Stanier 4,000-gallon tenders with either rivetted or welded bodies, with some later receiving Fowler 3,500-gallon versions after losing their Stanier tenders to Jubilees. 

In service the 8F’s duties were easily defined, it if was long and heavy, an 8F would haul it. Their economic performance and versatility saw them hauling coal, cement, cattle, perishables, ballast, oil; all was within the capabilities of Stanier’s ultimate freight locomotive. Passenger turns were not unheard of either, particularly during summer weekends and excursion traffic.  

The Class endured until 1960 when the first example succumbed to withdrawal, yet only a single locomotive bowed out, joined by four more in 1962. It was 1964 that saw the first double digit withdrawals yet at the start of 1968, the final year of steam working on British Rail, 150 were still in use centred around North West England, the final bastion of steam. It would be an 8F, No. 48518, that would haul the last commercially operated steam-hauled goods train on BR, while classmate No. 48773, which is now preserved, operated on the 4th August 1968, the final day of ‘normal’ steam on BR, hauling a leg of the Locomotive Club of Great Britain’s ‘Farewell to Steam Railtour’.  

For such a large Class it is perhaps disappointing that just eight Stanier 8Fs remain in the UK today. Two of these have been repatriated from Turkey, while four more remain there along with a single example in Israel and one in Iraq, bringing the total to 14 still in existence on dry land – others remain underwater following their loss at sea during World War Two. 

A new subject for the Bachmann Branchline range, the 8F joins a burgeoning stable of LMS machines and draws inspiration from its award winning smaller brother produced by the company’s Graham Farish brand. 

Boasting a diecast metal boiler and running plate, this is no lightweight machine and the Branchline model has been designed to emulate the capabilities of its prototype. 

Adorning the locomotive are separate metal wire handrails, fitted to turned metal knobs where appropriate, and turned brass safety valves along with metal top feed pipes. The whistle, sandboxes, lamp irons and smokebox darts are all added individually, along with the lubricators and their pipework, steam pipes and smokebox saddle. Sprung metal buffers are fitted to the bufferbeam which can be smooth or rivetted to suit individual locomotives. 

The smokebox door is another separate part allowing various numberplate and lamp bracket configurations to be depicted. Further additions come in the form of the reverser rod, which can be straight or curved to match the prototype, and Automatic Warning System (AWS) equipment where required. Below the boiler and it is possible to see further detailing representing the locomotive’s frames and internal gear modelled atop the chassis. 

The cab is a precision moulded part, complete with accurate rivet pattern detailing and with flush glazed windows. Added to this are further individual components such as the cab roof ventilator and the myriad controls, dials, gauges and valves that make up the locomotive backhead. The locomotive to tender fallplate is reproduced in metal, hinged to the cab floor and is complete with the hinge detail added to the top surface. 

The locomotive connects to the tender through an adjustable length drawbar, meanwhile tender options come in the form of the rivetted or welded Stanier 4,000
gallon types, or the Fowler 3,500-gallon tender. All three employ precision moulded bodyshells atop a detailed chassis that features full-relief spring and axle box 
detailing. The chassis steps and those at the rear of the tender are all present, along with separate metal handrails and lamp irons plus sprung metal buffers. The inner end of the tenders exhibit the loco-to-tender buffers, hand brakes and water scoop controls, and equipment cabinets. Turned metal tank vents are fitted to the tender tops along with the tender dome and separate filler lids, an authentic coal load competes the look. 

Moving below the running plate and two types of driving wheels are modelled, those with fabricated balance weights and those with cast weights, in each case differently sized weights are present on different wheels. The cylinders and motion are all modelled authentically, using a combination of moulded, cast and fabricated components for accuracy and reliability – a characteristic that can be taken for granted with Bachmann models. 

Further detail is engraved or moulded into the diecast chassis block which is then adorned with separate sandboxes, metal sand pipes and separate brake gear and rigging, this detail extends to the tender chassis too. The front pony truck sports integral guard irons, is sprung for assured running, and houses an integral NEM coupling pocket, a second of which is fitted to the rear of the tender.  

Turning away from the model’s good looks and inside we find a powerful coreless motor which provides drive through the diecast metal gearbox to the third set of driving wheels – extensive testing during the development process has proven this to be a prime arrangement allowing the model to haul prototypical trains with ease.

Electrical collection comes from all eight driving wheels and tender pickups are fitted too, while each driving axle runs in separate metal bearings. DCC provision comes in the shape of a Plux22 DCC Decoder socket that is fitted within the boiler and DCC users can benefit from uninterrupted running thanks to the 
pre-installed Bach-Up Stay Alive system. A firebox lighting system gives added impact within the cab and this operates on both analogue and DCC. The Dual Fitted speaker system which is included with every model sees a speaker fitted inside the locomotive’s boiler, with a second located in the tender for optimal sound 
reproduction.  

SOUND FITTED and SOUND FITTED DELUXE models will come with a Zimo MS450P22 DCC Sound Decoder pre-fitted and again, this feature can be used on 
both analogue and DCC. For the ultimate operational experience, SOUND FITTED DELUXE models include a Auto-Release Coupling fitted to the tender to provide 
hands-free uncoupling controlled by a single DCC function. 

Despite the livery options extending little further than all-over black, the paint application will be executed to the usual exceptional standards for which Bachmann is renowned. The base decoration will then be adorned with precision-printed logos and numerals, all minute replicas of the prototype. The cab interior, with its firebox lighting system, will be brought to life with the pipework, controls and dials all decorated, extending right down to the needles on the pressure dials.

Optional accessories include a set of closed cab doors, front steps and cylinder drain cocks for fitting where operating curves allow, and in some cases snowploughs too. 

Tooling for the Branchline 8F is now complete and the livery samples will arrive for review in the coming weeks, ahead of the models hitting the shelves of Bachmann retailers in Summer 2026. Pricing starts at £249.95, rising to £359.95 for SOUND FITTED examples and £379.95 for the ultimate SOUND FITTED DELUXE versions. 

Orders can be placed with Bachmann retailers now to secure your model, ahead of their arrival in 2026. 

SPECIFICATION

MECHANISM: 

• Coreless motor mounted in the locomotive, driving the third set of driving wheels 
• Electrical pickup from all driving wheels along with tender pickups 
• Separate metal bearings fitted to each driving axle 
• Diecast metal chassis block (locomotive) 
• Diecast metal gearbox, with gearing arranged for prototypical running speeds and haulage capabilities 
• 16.5mm (OO gauge) wheels to NEM310 & NEM311 standards with authentic profile and detailing 
• Valve gear of metal construction 
• Adjustable tender drawbar with integral loco-tender wiring 
• Sprung front pony truck with integral coupling pocket to NEM362 standards 
• Detachable coupling pocket to NEM362 standards fitted to the tender 
• Auto-Release Couplings fitted to the tender – DCC operated, hands-free 
• uncoupling with the press of a function button (SOUND FITTED DELUXE models only) 
• Designed to operate on curves of second radius (438mm) or greater 

DETAILING: 

• Diecast metal running plate and boiler  
• Precision moulded cab, tender tank and tender chassis 
• Separately applied details including smokebox door, smokebox saddle, front frame extensions, steam pipes, lubricators, reverser and sandboxes 
• Individual metal detail components including handrails, handrail knobs, boiler feeds, lamp irons, safety valves, sandpipes and tender vents 
• Highly detailed and decorated cab interior including controls, dials, gauges and tool cabinets with separately fitted valve wheels, regulator, reverser and 
• crew seats  
• Hinged and posable metal fall plate between the locomotive and tender 
• Tender fitted with coal-effect load 
• Running gear detailing includes brakes and separately fitted brake gear on the locomotive and tender 
• Glazed cab windows 
• Sprung metal buffers 
• Each model supplied with an accessory pack including cab doors, screwlink couplings, front steps and cylinder draincocks  

LIGHTING: 

• Firebox Glow (on analogue) / Firebox Glow & Flicker (on DCC or when SOUND FITTED & SOUND FITTED DELUXE models are used on analogue) 

DCC: 

• Plux22 DCC decoder interface located in the locomotive
• Bach-Up Stay Alive System providing uninterrupted power to prevent stalling, light flicker and sound cut-outs (operates on DCC only) 

SOUND: 

• Dual Fitted speakers, one in the locomotive and one in the tender, installed in all models for optimum sound reproduction 
• Zimo MS450P22 DCC Sound Decoder fitted to SOUND FITTED & SOUND FITTED DELUXE versions 
• Sound files produced specifically for the Bachmann Branchline 8F using recordings from real locomotives 
• SOUND FITTED & SOUND FITTED DELUXE models operate on DCC and Analogue control as supplied 

LIVERY APPLICATION: 

• Authentic liveries applied to all models 
• Multiple paint applications employed on each model 
• Logos, numerals and text added as appropriate using multi-stage tampo printing incorporating authentic typefaces, logos and colours

"This weekend sees the return of Model World LIVE, the new National Modelling Exhibition which launched with a bang in 2024 and is back again for 2025! Such a major event calls for a major new tooling announcement and we have something truly special to share with you today! We will bring you all the news in our launch video which premieres on YouTube at 1200, so be sure to tune in and find out what we have in store.

Our new models will be displayed in all their glory at Model World LIVE this weekend, and you’ll be able to order yours from your local Bachmann stockist later today."

The Bachmann Branchline range welcomes back the LMS Jubilee in new and improved forms, with new tooling to depict the later-built locomotives with their sloping firebox throatplates and longer fireboxes.

With the addition of a firebox lighting system and upgraded to Plux22 DCC compatibility, the Branchline Jubilees tell the story of these express passenger locomotives from their LMS days right through to today.

To support the preservation movement Bachmann has teamed up with the Bahamas Locomotive Society and will make a donation from the sale of every Branchline model of ‘Bahamas’, one of the quartet of Jubilees still around today, helping to return the real locomotive to steam.

Specification

Mechanism:

• Three pole motor mounted in the locomotive, driving the central set of driving wheels

• Electrical pickup from all driving wheels along with tender pickups

• Diecast metal chassis block (locomotive)

• Gearing arranged for prototypical running speeds and haulage capabilities

• 16.5mm (OO gauge) wheels to NEM310 & NEM311 standards with authentic profile and detailing

• Valve gear of metal construction

• Adjustable tender drawbar with integral loco-tender wiring

• Sprung front bogie with integral coupling pocket to NEM362 standards

• Detachable coupling pocket to NEM362 standards fitted to the tender

• Designed to operate on curves of second radius (438mm) or greater

Detailing:

• Diecast metal running plate

• Precision moulded boiler & firebox, cab, tender tank and tender chassis

• Separately fitted smokebox door which is mounted on hinges and can be posed open or closed

• Separately applied details including chimney, smokebox saddle, splashers, sandboxes, lubricators, water pick-up gear, reverser, lamp irons and smokebox door handles

• Individual metal detail components including handrails, handrail knobs, whistle, safety valves, sandpipes and tender vents

• Highly detailed and decorated cab interior including controls, dials, gauges and tool cabinets with separately fitted valve wheels, regulator and reverser

• Hinged and posable metal fall plate between the locomotive and tender

• Sliding cab roof ventilator which can be posed open or closed

• Tender fitted with removable coal-effect load, with empty coal space modelled beneath

• Running gear detailing includes brakes and separately fitted brake gear on the locomotive and tender

• Glazed cab windows

• Sprung metal buffers

• Each model supplied with an accessory pack including cab doors, front steps and cylinder draincocks

Lighting:

• Firebox Glow (on analogue) / Firebox Glow & Flicker (on DCC or when SOUND FITTED models are used on analogue) DCC:

• Plux22 DCC decoder interface located in the tender

Sound:

• Speaker installed in the tender of all models for optimum sound reproduction

• Zimo MS450P22 DCC Sound Decoder pre-installed in SOUND FITTED versions

• Sound files produced specifically for the Bachmann Branchline Jubilee using recordings from real locomotives

• SOUND FITTED models operate on DCC and Analogue control as supplied

Livery Application:

• Authentic liveries applied to all models

• Multiple paint applications employed on each model

• Logos, numerals and text added as appropriate using multi-stage tampo printing process, incorporating authentic typefaces, logos and colours

• Pre-fitted printed nameplates, as well as etched nameplates which are supplied separately for optional fitting

Prices:

35-975 LMS Jubliee with Riveted Tender 5742 'Connaught' LMS Crimson Lake £214.95 
35-975SF LMS Jubliee with Riveted Tender 5742 'Connaught' LMS Crimson Lake £324.95 
35-976 LMS Jubliee w/Riveted Tend. 45671 'Prince Rupert' BR Lined Green (E/E) £214.95 
35-976SF LMS Jubliee w/Riveted Tend. 45671 'Prince Rupert' BR Lined Green (E/E) £324.95 
35-977 LMS Jubilee w/Fowler Tender 45704 'Leviathan' BR Lined Green (L/C) £214.95 
35-977SF LMS Jubilee w/Fowler Tender 45704 'Leviathan' BR Lined Green (L/C) £324.95 
35-977A LMS Jubilee w/Welded Tender 45596 'Bahamas' BR Lined Green (L/C) £214.95 
35-977ASF LMS Jubilee w/Welded Tender 45596 'Bahamas' BR Lined Green (L/C) £324.95 

New Train sets have been added to the Branchline range as well, the Eastern Express includes preserved V2 Class locomotive No. 60800 ‘Green Arrow’ and will be available in standard format or with DCC ON BOARD.

The Suburban Sulzer includes a Class 25 diesel and comes with optional sound fitted.

All sets come with a free one-year standard membership to the Bachmann Collectors Club and a Lucsmore Vale Layout Mat. Both the DCC on board and sound fitted sets also feature the new Kinesis GO! DCC Base Station allowing digital control of the trains using the RailController Hand-Held App for Android and Apple, or RailController computer control software when Kinesis GO! is connected to a PC.

Prices:

30-505 Eastern Express Train Set £334.95 
30-505DC Eastern Express DIGITAL Train Set £399.95 
30-506 Suburban Sulzer Train Set £304.95 
30-506SF Suburban Sulzer SOUND FITTED Train Set £414.95

The Branchline steam fleet is expanded further with new versions of the GCR 9J (later J11) and the Midland Railway 3835 Class (later 4F) and a selection of variants, including liveries not before replicated on the Branchline models, will be available in standard format or with sound fitted.

Prices: 

31-319A GCR 9J (J11) 64305 BR Black (Early Emblem) £169.95 
31-319ASF GCR 9J (J11) 64305 BR Black (Early Emblem) £279.95 
31-322 GCR 9J 295 GCR Lined Black £179.95 
31-322SF GCR 9J 295 GCR Lined Black £289.95 
31-884A MR 3835 (4F) with Fowler Tender 43982 BR Black (Late Crest) £169.95 
31-884ASF MR 3835 (4F) with Fowler Tender 43982 BR Black (Late Crest) £279.95 
31-885 MR 3835 (4F) with Johnson-Deeley Tender 3850 LMS Black (MR Numerals) £169.95 
31-885SF MR 3835 (4F) with Johnson-Deeley Tender 3850 LMS Black (MR Numerals) £279.95 
31-886 MR 3835 (4F) with Fowler Tender 43892 BR Black (British Railways) £169.95 
31-886SF MR 3835 (4F) with Fowler Tender 43892 BR Black (British Railways) £279.95

The LMS Patriot Project’s aim to build a replica of LMS Patriot No. 5551 and name it ‘The Unknown Warrior’ is another heritage project supported by Bachmann and the Branchline model of No. 5551 will arrive later this year. Today, No. 45524 ‘Blackpool’ joins its classmate.

Prices:

31-214A LMS 5XP 'Patriot' 45524 'Blackpool' BR Lined Green (Early Emblem) £209.95 
31-214ASF LMS 5XP 'Patriot' 45524 'Blackpool' BR Lined Green (Early Emblem) £319.95

Completing the new additions to the Branchline range this Spring are two new versions of the LMS’s pioneering diesels Nos. 10000 and 10001, while a selection of new wagons brings further variety to the vast range of rolling stock offered by Bachmann Branchline.

Prices:

31-995A LMS 10001 BR Lined Green (Late Crest) £209.95 
31-995ASF LMS 10001 BR Lined Green (Late Crest) £339.95 
31-999A LMS 10000 BR Black (Early Emblem) £209.95 
31-999ASF LMS 10000 BR Black (Early Emblem) £339.95

The Bachmann Scenecraft range continues to provide a wide variety of fully finished buildings, structures and accessories to craft any scene and a selection of the most popular Scenecraft items return in N and OO Scale this Spring along with a sprinkling of all-new buildings.

Five new OO Scale figure packs have also been added to the Scenecraft range of hand-painted figures, and these include a set suitable for use with EFE Road buses, and a modern policing pack complete with mounted cavalry and armed response.

All of the new products revealed today feature in the Spring 2026 British Railway Announcements Catalogue which is published in the Bachmann Times, the official magazine of the Bachmann Collectors Club. The new items are also included in the 2026 Bachmann Europe Model Railway Combined Volume Catalogue, alongside all current products from Bachmann’s British railway ranges. The 2026 Combined Volume is being posted to Bachmann Collectors Club members now or can be purchased from Bachmann retailers later this month.

It was done many moons ago as a collectors club limited edition but those are now like hen's teeth on eBay and I for one would prefer a DCC-ready chassis up to current standards.

Let's face it, 41241 in KWVR maroon livery is the prettiest an Ivatt 2MT has ever looked so I'm certain it would sell well, Bachmann could even offer it as a twin pack with Bahamas or 1054.

I am sure there are plenty of modellers relatively local to the KWVR who would jump at the chance to acquire one and plenty more for whom a red 2MT would be an irresistible rule 1 purchase!

Fifty Class 90 25kV electric locomotives were built between April 1988 and August 1990 for the InterCity sector of British Rail by British Rail Engineering Limited at Crewe Works in conjunction with GEC. During some 25 years of service they have carried 27 different liveries in operation. Most remain on front line duties with either passenger or freight operators but some recently withdrawn locomotives are currently up for sale.

The Bachmann OO scale model will be produced to the same high standards as the much acclaimed Class 85. The following versions are being produced:

32-610   Class 90 No. 90023 in InterCity swallow livery

32-611   Class 90 No. 90037 in Railfreight Distribution livery

32-612   Class 90 No. 90042 in Freightliner Powerhaul livery

Hi all. I'm not sure if this was posted already (I couldn't find it) but there's a new model coming of 40145. DCC ready or DCC sound fitted 

whatever version it is Im looking  forward to getting a few

38-600                   21 Ton Grain Hopper BR Grey                                                                                     

38-601                   21 Ton Grain Hopper BR Bauxite                (Early)                                                                  

38-602                   21 Ton Grain Hopper BR Bauxite (Late) 

The bad news?...as above really,because the clear inference must be that these are not selling at all well,and that those of us still hoping that Bachmann might eventually do a bit of re-tooling to produce a "longer firebox" example can forget it. Does anyone read it differently?

DR.

BACHMANN LAUNCH BRAND NEW CLASS 37 IN OO SCALE AT DEMU SHOWCASE

Ahead of the Autumn 2022 British Railway Announcements, Bachmann Europe Plc today surprised visitors to the Diesel and Electric Modellers United (DEMU) Showcase event held in the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield with the news that it has developed all-new models of the iconic English Electric Type 3, Class 37 Diesel Locomotives for its Bachmann Branchline OO scale range. Not only was this ambitious project made public for the first time today, but the first models were on sale during the event from the Bachmann Stockists in attendance.

Whilst Class 37 models have featured in the Bachmann Branchline range for the last two decades, these brand-new models owe nothing to their predecessors and have been designed from the rails up using original drawings, diagrams, site visits and surveys of real locomotives.

For those unable to inspect the models at DEMU Showcase themselves, a video presentation by Bachmann Europe’s Production Development Manager, Dave Parsons and Richard Proudman, the company’s Rail Brand Manager, premiered on YouTube this morning, unveiling these new models to Bachmann customers and consumers around the world. Highlighting the history of the project, the technical specification of the models and the extensive tooling suite that Bachmann has developed to accurately model much of the 309-strong fleet throughout their working lives – starting with the Class 37/0s and Class 37/4s – the video also looks at the first models which are on sale now.

Building on the impressive specification of the award-winning Bachmann Branchline Class 47, the new Class 37 shares many common features such as the five pole motor with twin flyhwheels, all-axle drive and electrical pickup from all wheels. Each axle runs in a pair of separate metal bearings, located in the diecast metal bogie towers which are fitted to the diecast metal chassis block. The Dual Fitted speaker system returns, offering authentic sound reproduction and this is pre-fitted to every model, whilst the Class 37 features a new ‘Yard Light’ mode, allowing red tail lights and/or marker lights to be displayed at both ends of the locomotive when operating on DCC. Using the model on DCC also provides cab lighting and engine room lights at the push of a button, whilst analogue operation sees marker lights, tail
lights and headlights - where applicable – all illuminate as desired.

Each Class 37 offered will be produced in three formats, with standard versions ready for use on analogue control out of the box and with a Plux22 DCC decoder socket for those consumers wishing to fit their own DCC decoder (Bachmann’s recommend Plux22 LocoDecoder carries the item No. 36-570A). SOUND FITTED models will also be offered and these versions are pre-fitted with the latest DCC sound decoder technology from Zimo – the MS450P22 sound decoder. SOUND FITTED DELUXE models share all the features of our SOUND FITTED models but with two additional innovations – both pioneered by Bachmann and for which the company received the Innovation of the Year prize in the 2021 British Railway Modelling Awards – namely the motorised radiator fan, this is driven by an independent motor that is operated as part of the sound project, and cab windscreen glazing which has undergone a specialist treatment to replicate the tinting seen on the prototype.

Furthermore, Bachmann has produced for the first-time multiple sound projects to be used in its SOUND FITTED and SOUND FITTED DELUXE models so that not only are the aesthetics of each model true to the individual locomotive being depicted, but so are the sounds. No fewer than four sound projects can be specified for any particular locomotive and these encompass the original Class 37/0s, original locos with thermostatically controlled fans, Class 37/4s and DRS-modified machines. Like all Bachmann products, SOUND FITTED and SOUND FITTED DELUXE models will operate on both DCC and analogue control straight out of the box. When used on analogue control, a range of authentic sound effects can be enjoyed when power is applied, including a convincing engine start up procedure before the model moves – whilst the motorised fans on SOUND FITTED DELUXE versions will also operate according to the sound project fitted to that particular model.

David Haarhaus, Managing Director of Bachmann Europe Plc said: “Like any long established company, Bachmann Europe Plc will continually invest and improve its product wherever possible or commercially viable. Incorporating the latest technology and processes to set the next baseline for our ranges. The overwhelmingly positive response we have enjoyed for our Class 158 and Class 47 models has given us great confidence to maintain our policy of perpetual development and improvement.” David continued: “This wonderful all new Mk3 Branchline Class 37 arrives in high street stores as our company looks forward to the 190th anniversary of the Bachmann brand in 2023. We would like to thank all of our retail partners, Bachmann Collectors Club members and consumers for recognising the benefits of being part of our extended Bachmann family. This beautiful new “Tractor” is a perfect prelude to next year’s celebrations and will be available from your local model store next week.”

The models revealed and on sale today depict Class 37/4 No. 37430 ‘Cwmbran’ in BR Large Logo Blue livery (item Nos. 35-335, 35-335SF – SOUND FITTED and 35-335SFX – SOUND FITTED DELUXE), whilst the Bachmann Collectors Club has announced a limited edition model of Class 37/4 No. 37422 ‘Cardiff Canton’ in EWS livery (35-335K/35-335KSF/35- 335KSFX). Further versions of the new Bachmann Branchline Class 37 are already in transit and will be arriving with Bachmann retailers this Autumn. Details of those models will be announced in early-August when the full Autumn 2022 British Railway Announcements is unveiled.

BACHMANN BRANCHLINE – ALL-NEW OO SCALE CLASS 37 SPECIFICATION

The all-new Bachmann Branchline OO Scale Class 37 Diesel Locomotive features an unprecedented level of detail and technical features, details of which are as follows:
Mechanism:
- Five pole, twin shaft motor with two flywheels providing drive to both bogies
- All axle drive
- Electrical pickup from all wheels
- Separate metal bearings fitted to each axle
- Diecast metal chassis block and bogie towers
- Diecast metal gearboxes, with gearing arranged for prototypical running speeds and haulage capabilities
- 16.5mm (OO gauge) wheels to NEM310 & NEM311 standards with authentic profile and detailing
- Detachable coupling pockets to NEM362 standards fitted to each bogie
- Designed to operate on curves of second radius (438mm) or greater
Detailing:
- Bogies constructed from multiple components featuring full relief detail
- Rotating radiator fan, driven by an independent motor and gearbox, operated as part of the sound
project on DCC and Analogue control (SOUND FITTED DELUXE models only)
- Tinted windscreen glazing (SOUND FITTED DELUXE models only)
- Separately applied metal detail parts, including grab handles, windscreen wipers and etched fan grilles
- Sprung metal buffers
- Each model supplied with a full set of decorated, model-specific bufferbeam pipework and accessory
parts
Lighting:
- Directional lighting, including headlights and high intensity headlights where applicable, switchable on/off
at either end on DCC or Analogue control
- Cab lighting*, assigned to two DCC functions for separate switching of each
- Separately switched Engine Room lighting*
- ‘Yard Light’ mode*, red tail lights and/or marker lights displayed at both ends (*when used on DCC)
- Authentic light colours and temperatures selected for each model based on era and application
DCC:
- Plux22 DCC decoder interface 

Sound:

- Two quality speakers employed for optimum sound reproduction, fitted to every model as standard

- Zimo MS450P22 DCC Sound Decoder fitted to SOUND FITTED and SOUND FITTED DELUXE versions

- Four sound projects to accurately capture the sounds of Class 37/0s as originally built, those with thermostatically controlled fans, Class 37/4s and DRS-modified locos.

- Sound files for each project produced specifically for the Bachmann Branchline Class 37 using recordings from real locomotives

- SOUND FITTED and SOUND FITTED DELUXE models operate on DCC and Analogue control as supplied.

On Analogue, an authentic engine start up sequence and running sounds are produced when power is applied

Livery Application:

- Authentic liveries applied to all models

- Multiple paint applications employed on each model using BR and corporate specification colours

- Logos, numerals and text added as appropriate using multi-stage tampo printing using authentic typefaces, logos and colours - In addition, where applicable Etched Nameplates and Plaques are also provided

ITEM NO. SCALE DESCRIPTION RRP

35-335 OO Class 37/4 Refurbished 37430 ‘Cwmbran’ BR Blue (Large Logo) £244.95

35-335SF OO Class 37/4 Refurbished 37430 ‘Cwmbran’ BR Blue (Large Logo) £344.95

35-335SFX OO Class 37/4 Refurbished 37430 ‘Cwmbran’ BR Blue (Large Logo) £374.95

36-570A N/A Plux22 DCC Loco-Decoder (with Brake Button function) £44.95

With 2025 marking the bicentenary of the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, Bachmann has selected the North Eastern Railway E Class Tank Locomotive, which was an unsung hero at the centenary celebrations 100 years ago, as the next steam locomotive for its OO Scale Bachmann Branchline range. 

The NER E Class 0-6-0 Tank Locomotive, later classified as J71 by the London & North Eastern Railway (LNER), was designed by Thomas W. Worsdell for the North Eastern Railway (NER) and was intended to become the company’s standard design for shunting engines. T. W. Worsdell became the NER’s Locomotive Superintendent in 1885 and a year later, the first E Class tank entered traffic. Eventually totalling 120 locomotives, 60 were built under Thomas’s tenure, followed by 60 more when his brother Wilson Worsdell took over as Locomotive Superintendent after Thomas retired in 1890. Construction ceased in 1895 and three years later, Wilson introduced his own take on the design, the E1 Class, the first of which entered traffic in 1898.

The E Class was set apart from the later E1s by having larger driving wheels and smaller cylinders. The splashers were larger as a result of the larger wheels, meanwhile the ‘Es’ sported smaller bunkers and were not fitted with coal rails at first, although these were later included. Early examples had clack valves feeding the boiler with Ramsbottom safety valves and a bell whistle. Later, Ross Pop safety valves and a tubular whistle were fitted, and the clack valves were removed, bringing commonality between the E and E1 types. Metal bufferbeams were employed as built, but later many were fitted with wooden planks sandwiched between two metal plates, as found on the later E1 engines. 

The E Class tanks were found to be suitable workhorses for the NER’s sprawling network across the North East, particularly at coastal ports, freight depots and wharfs where tracks could feature tight curves and weight restrictions were often in place. They were also suited to station pilot duties and local trip working, as well as allocations at the NER’s Darlington Works and Shildon workshops where they handled internal movements. All 120 locomotives passed into LNER ownership upon Grouping in 1923, becoming J71s, and remained in similar roles to those the NER had previously assigned them. By 1930 however, the E1s (now classified as J72s by the LNER) had started to replace the older J71s and by the time of Nationalisation in 1948, the class had been depleted by almost a third, leaving 81 examples in traffic.

The fleet that British Railways (BR) inherited in 1948 remained largely intact to start with, but by the 1950s they were being replaced by new 350hp Diesel Shunters (later BR Class 08) and by 1961 the final J71, No. 68233, had been withdrawn after a service life of 74 years. None survived into preservation. 

Whilst the J71s were more numerous than the J72s, numbering 120 examples versus 113, the J72 is arguably the more famous of the two for several reasons. Remarkably, those 113 locomotives were built over a period of almost 53 years and were unique in the fact that batches were built by the NER, LNER and BR. Although no J71s survive today, one J72 No. 69023 ‘Joem’ is still extant meaning that even those who were not around during their service lives can still see a J72 operating, something that is not possible in the case of the J71. Then there is the fact that Bachmann Branchline models of the J72 have been produced since 1990, and earlier still by Mainline Railways, with an all-new Branchline J72 released in 2019. 

And so, whilst models of the J72 can already be found in many collections, the new Bachmann Branchline E Class/J71 depicts a locomotive that has never before been produced in ready to run format in OO Scale. Building on the success of the J72, new tooling has been developed to capture the characteristics that set the J71s apart, resulting in a model that shares only a few components with its J72 counterpart.

The new tooling starts with the cab/tank/bunker moulding which portrays the E’s smaller coal bunker. This is adorned with individual tank filler hatches, metal lamp brackets on the rear of the bunker, and metal handrails at the front of the tank plus one on the cab rear sheet. Inside the cab the locomotive controls, levers, dials and gauges are accurately depicted as well as the toolboxes and cabinets that back onto the bunker. A new boiler is adorned with separate clack valves where appropriate, along with Ramsbottom or Ross Pop safety valves, the latter with an optional cover, and a turned metal bell or tubular whistle. Turned metal handrail knobs and metal wires are used to depict the handrails running along the length of the boiler.   

The diecast metal running plate sports the distinctive metal bufferbeams and two pairs of steps, serving the cab and running plate to access the tank filler hatches, while the sandboxes are separate mouldings too. Etched brass lamp irons are then added, as are the buffers which are of metal construction and sprung, with three types available to suit individual locomotives. A further option allows those locomotives that were fitted with vacuum brakes, in addition to the steam brakes, to be modelled – this is depicted through additional pipework fitted between the cab front and smokebox, and to the underside of the running plate on each side which were routed to the typical vacuum pipes adorning the front and rear bufferbeams.   

Turning to the technical specification, and the new Branchline J71 is powered by a coreless motor, with electrical pickup from every wheel. Separate metal bearings are fitted to each axle and the gear train is housed in a diecast gearbox, driving the middle wheelset. DCC provision comes in the form of a Next18 DCC Decoder socket and all models have a built-in speaker and firebox lighting system that operates on analogue and DCC. SOUND FITTED models will come with a ESU Loksound Micro V5DCC Sound Decoder pre-fitted and again, this feature can be used on both analogue and DCC. At the front and rear NEM coupling pockets are fitted and optional accessories are supplied with each model such as locomotive lamps, 3-link couplings and bufferbeam pipework as appropriate.  

Three models will be offered initially, and all are finished with a livery application that is executed to stunning effect, using prototypical colours, numerals and typefaces to create these miniature replicas. Included in the lineup is LNER No. 317 which played an important role in the centenary celebrations of the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway in 1925. As part of the 1925 grand cavalcade, No. 317 was used to haul Electric Locomotive No. 9 which could not travel under its own power as the route used for the cavalcade was not electrified. The two further models depict No. 495 in its original T. W. Worsdell livery of lined green and maroon and No. 68260 during BR service.  

Recommended Retail Prices start at £159.95, with the ornately-decorated model of NER No. 495 carrying a small premium with a resultant RRP of £169.95. SOUND FITTED versions are priced at £269.95, or £279.95 for the NER model, and all are expected to arrive with Bachmann retailers in early-2026.

Anyone else having the same problem?

Thanks

steve

From my research Bachmnn released Cat Nos 38-880 to 38-884 in 2022, in various liveries, including a version which passed to MOD ownership. Looking at the well known auction site, pre-owned versions of the VEA seem quite seem quite sparse, whidh suggests they sold well, so maybe we will see another set of releases in the near future.       

Cut and paste from Andy Y's  2018 announcement thread

Class 170 DMU
44 x two-car and 89 x three-car units were built between 1998 and 2005 for Porterbrook Leasing Company and HSBC Rail. The units have seen service with a considerable number of operators both past and present. Current operators are Cross Country, Greater Anglia, ScotRail and West Midlands Trains.
35-625 Class 170/1 3-Car DMU No. 170104 in Cross Country livery
New Tooling

 
Photo by Neil Downing

35-626 Class 170/4 3-Car DMU No. 170453 in ScotRail (Saltire) livery
New Tooling

Class 171 DMU
9 x two-car and 6 x four-car units were built between 2003 and 2005 for Porterbrook Leasing Company for use on Southern’s Uckfield branch which is not electrified.
 

Photo by Dan Adkins
35-580 Class 171 2-Car DMU No. 171722 in Southern livery
New Tooling

Class 168/3 DMU
9 x two-car Class 170 units were obtained by Chiltern from First TransPennine Express which were subsequently converted to operate with the existing Class 168 fleet and re-designated as Class 168/3.

 
Photo by Joseph Porter
35-560 Class 168 2-Car DMU No. 168327 in Chiltern Railways livery
New Tooling, represents Class 168/3s that were reclassified from 170s

This is now common knowledge so i have posted it here.

cheers

Dave

MR169_008_News.pdf

Theres been no new sets for a few years and ive noticed a bit of a crossover with N scale with the same set in both scales. 

Ive had some ideas... all 00 scale

Suburban Sulzer - same as n scale with class 24 and 2 x suburban coaches with a sound fitted option. 

Western Rambler - again same as n scale with a GWR pannier and a few wagons

Seaside Excursion - same as the n set from a few years back - BR 4F with a pair of MK1 coaches

The Auto Train - Pannier with an Autocoach

Local Goods set - Small 0-6-0 such as a J72, Jinty or a 94xx with a few wagons with an option for sound fitted.

Local Passenger set - Class 121/122 DMU and an oval of track - with sound fitted option. Surely this would make a great budget set.

Information from Bachmann website

Correct as of 29 November 2019

December
32-389TL    Class 37/4 37416 'Mount Fuji' BR Mainline    £189.95
32-389TLDS    Class 37/4 37416 'MT Fuji' BR Mainline (DCC Sound)    £279.95
32-390SDDS    Class 37/7 37710 LoadHaul (DCC Sound)    £269.95
32-392RJ    Class 37/5 37685 BR Intercity 'Swallow'    £169.95
38-575B    LNER 10T Fish Van LNER Bauxite [W]    £24.95
38-576A    LNER 10T Fish Van BR Bauxite (Early)    £21.95
38-578    LNER 10T Fish Van BR Bauxite (Late) [W]    £24.95
38-800    Ransomes & Rapier 45T Steam Breakdown Crane SR Grey    £249.95
38-801    Ransomes & Rapier 45T Steam Breakdown Crane GWR Grey    £249.95
38-802    Ransomes & Rapier 45T Steam Breakdown Crane BR Black (E Emb)    £249.95
38-803    Ransomes & Rapier 45T Steam Breakdown Crane BR Red    £249.95
39-430A    BR Mk1 POS Post Office Sorting Van Royal Mail Letters    £59.95

January
31-086A    GWR 32XX 'Earl' 9018 BR Black (Early Emblem) [W]    £159.95
31-090DS    GWR 32XX 'Earl' 3206 'Earl of Plymouth' GWR Green (S'button)    £259.95
31-460A    SE&CR C Class 583 SE&CR Lined Green (Original)    £224.95
31-517    Class 158 2-Car DMU 158849 BR Regional Railways    £259.95
31-517DS    Class 158 2-Car DMU 158849 BR Regional Railways    £349.95
31-518    Class 158 2-Car DMU 158773 East Midlands Trains    £259.95
31-518SF    Class 158 2-Car DMU 158773 East Midlands Trains    £349.95
31-519    Class 158 2-Car DMU 158766 GWR Green (FirstGroup)    £259.95
31-519SF    Class 158 2-Car DMU 158766 GWR Green (FirstGroup)    £349.95
32-440    Class 24/1 D5135 BR Green (Late Crest)    £149.95
32-441    Class 24/1 D5149 BR Green (Small Yellow Panels)    £149.95
32-442    Class 24/1 24137 BR Blue    £149.95

Febuary
31-146A    GCR 11F (D11/1) 62667 'Somme' BR Lined Black (Early Emblem)    £179.95
31-147DS    GCR 11F 502 'Zeebrugge' GCR Lined Green    £274.95
31-520    Class 159 3-Car DMU 159013 BR Network SouthEast (Revised)    £329.95
31-520SF    Class 159 3-Car DMU 159013 BR Network SouthEast (Revised)    £419.95

March
38-180C    BR 12T Ventilated Plywood Fruit Van BR Bauxite (Early)    £21.95
38-183A    BR 12T Ventilated Plywood Fruit Van BR Bauxite (Late) [W]    £24.95
391-029    Baldwin 10-12-D Tank Glyn Valley Tramway Lined Black    £154.95

April
32-480    Class 40 Disc Headcode D248 BR Green (Late Crest)    £179.95
35-500    Class 117 3-Car DMU BR Green (Speed Whiskers)    £309.95
35-501    Class 117 3-Car DMU BR Blue & Grey    £309.95
35-525    Class 121 Single-Car DMU BR Green (Speed Whiskers)    £149.95
35-526    Class 121 Single-Car DMU BR Blue & Grey    £149.95
35-527    Class 121 Single-Car DMU BR Network SouthEast (Revised)    £149.95
391-030    Baldwin 10-12-D Tank No. 4 Snailbeach District Rly Black [W]    £169.95
391-031DS    Baldwin 10-12-D Tank 590 Welsh Highland Railway Lined Maroon    £244.95

May
32-199    GWR 8750 Pannier Tank 3738 GWR Black (GWR)    £114.95
32-205A    GWR 8750 Pannier Tank 8771 BR Lined Black (Early Emblem)    £114.95
32-216A    GWR 57XX Pannier Tank 5775 BR Black (Late Crest)    £114.95
32-217A    GWR Class 57xx 0-6-0 Pannier Tank L92 London Transport Lined    £114.95
32-486    Class 40 Split Headcode 40142 BR Blue    £179.95
32-486SF    Class 40 Split Headcode 40142 BR Blue    £269.95
35-502    Class 117 3-Car DMU BR Network SouthEast (Revised)    £309.95
38-325A    LNER 13T Steel Open Wagon (Chain Pockets) BR Bauxite (Early)    £23.95

June
33-181A    10T Covered Salt Wagon 'Stafford Salt Works' Red    £19.95
33-182A    10T Covered Salt Wagon 'Snowdrift Salt' Green [W]    £21.95
37-729C    GWR 12T Ventilated Van BR Bauxite (Early)    £21.95
37-731B    GWR 12T Ventilated Van BR Grey (Early)    £21.95
37-778D    GWR 12T 'Mogo' Van GWR Grey    £21.95
37-780A    GWR 12T 'Mogo' Van BR Bauxite (Early) [W]    £24.95
37-807    LMS 12T Planked Ventilated Van 'Express Dairy Co.' Blue    £21.95
38-036    HKA Bogie Hopper 'National Power'    £59.95
38-037    HKA Bogie Hopper 'National Power' (De-Branded) [W]    £64.95
38-038    HKA Bogie Hopper DB Schenker    £59.95
39-421B    BR Mk1 POS Post Office Sorting Van Post Office Red (with Net    £64.95
39-422    BR Mk1 POS Post Office Sorting Van Royal Mail Travelling Pos    £64.95
39-425A    BR Mk1 POS Post Office Sorting Van BR Blue & Grey [W]    £64.95

July
31-390    Class 414 2-HAP 2-Car EMU 6061 BR (SR) Green    £259.95
31-391    Class 414 2-HAP 2-Car EMU 6063 BR Blue & Grey    £259.95
31-392    Class 414 2-HAP 2-Car EMU 4308 BR Network SouthEast    £259.95
38-144A    BR VDA Van BR Railfreight Red & Grey    £30.95
39-175F    BR Mk1 BG Brake Gangwayed BR Blue & Grey [W]    £52.95
39-180A    BR Mk1 BG Brake Gangwayed BR InterCity (Executive)    £47.95
39-184B    BR Mk1 BG Brake Gangwayed Royal Mail Letters    £47.95
39-190    BR Mk1 BG Brake Gangwayed Generator Van Network Rail Yellow    £47.95

August
32-739    Class 66/4 66419 Freightliner G&W    £144.95
32-739SF    Class 66/4 66419 Freightliner G&W - Sound Fitted    £224.95
32-740    Class 66/7 66789 'British Rail 1948-1997' GBRf BR Blue    £144.95
32-740SF    Class 66/7 66789 'British Rail 1948-1997' GBRf BR Blue    £224.95
32-741    Class 66/7 66783 'The Flying Dustman' GBRf 'Biffa' Red    £144.95
32-741SF    Class 66/7 66783 'The Flying Dustman' GBRf 'Biffa' Red    £224.95
32-983    Class 66/7 66779 'Evening Star' GBRf Brunswick Green    £144.95
37-528D    BR 20T Brake Van BR Grey (Early)    £29.95
37-534    BR 20T Brake Van BR Bauxite (Late)    £29.95
37-659C    14T Tank Wagon 'National Mobil' Silver    £24.95
37-661A    14T Tank Wagon 'ICI' Maroon [W]    £26.95
37-680B    14T Tank Wagon 'Fina' Silver    £24.95
37-682A    14T Tank Wagon 'Crossfield Chemicals' Green    £24.95

September
31-740    MR 1532 (1P) Tank 1273 Midland Railway Crimson Lake    TBA
31-741    MR 1532 (1P) Tank 1303 LMS Black (Original)    TBA
31-742    MR 1532 (1P) Tank 58072 BR Lined Black (Early Emblem)    TBA
31-998    LMS 10001 BR Black (Early Emblem)    £179.95
32-529C    Class 55 D9010 'The King's Own Scottish Borderer' BR Grn SYP    £174.95
32-529CSF    Class 55 D9010 'The King's Own Scottish Borderer' BR Grn SYP    £264.95
32-532A    Class 55 'Deltic' 55003 'Meld' BR Blue    £174.95
32-532ASF    Class 55 'Deltic' 55003 'Meld' BR Blue    £264.95
32-908    Class 108 2-Car DMU BR Blue & Grey    £229.95
35-025    GWR 94XX Pannier Tank 9402 GWR Green (GWR)    £124.95
35-026    GWR 94XX Pannier Tank 9487 BR Black (Early Emblem)    £124.95
35-027    GWR 94XX Pannier Tank 9479 BR Black (Late Crest)    £124.95
35-125    Class 20/3 20306 DRS Blue    TBA
35-126    Class 20/3 20311 Harry Needle Railroad Company    TBA
35-127    Class 20/3 20312 DRS Compass (Original)    TBA
38-076D    SR 12T Plywood Ventilated Van BR Bauxite (Early)    £21.95
38-077    SR 12T Plywood Ventilated Van BR Bauxite (Late) [W]    £23.95
38-080C    SR 12T 2+2 Planked Ventilated Van LMS Grey    £21.95
38-081C    SR 12T 2+2 Planked Ventilated Van BR Grey (Early) [W]    £24.95
38-082D    SR 12T 2+2 Planked Ventilated Van BR Bauxite (Early) [W]    £24.95
38-083A    SR 12T 2+2 Planked Ventilated Van GWR Grey    £21.95
38-401B    SR 25T 'Pill Box' Brake Van Left-Hand Duckets BR Grey [W]    £33.95
38-402B    SR 25T 'Pill Box' Brake Van Right-Hand Duckets BR Bauxite [W]    £33.95

From https://news.bachmann.co.uk/2024/02/brush-type-twos-get-the-bachmann-treatment/

Today Bachmann Europe Plc unveiled brand new models of the Brush Type Two – BR Class 30 and Class 31 – Diesel Locomotives in OO scale for its Bachmann Branchline range. Launched ahead of the company’s Spring 2024 British Railway Announcements, the new Branchline models were unveiled in a special Hornby Magazine production, with a selection of Engineering Prototypes and running samples showcased by Graeme Watkins, Bachmann’s Design Engineer responsible for the project.

The new Class 31 (and Class 30) locomotives follow in the footsteps of the award-winning, all-new Class 47 from Bachmann Branchline which was first released in 2021, setting the blueprint for a new generation of Bachmann diesel locomotives which is apparent in the all-new Class 37 released the following year and now, in these new Class 31s.

With the Class 47 Bachmann introduced two brand new innovations to the British market – these being the first models to feature a motorised fan system and the first to have glazing which is specially treated to replicate the tinting of the prototype’s windscreens. These features adorn the top-of-the-range SOUND FITTED DELUXE models and with the new Class 31, Bachmann has added another new feature to its deluxe format models – and another brand-new innovation never before seen on a British-outline model – automatic DCC uncoupling.

Bachmann’s Auto-Release Coupling System is fitted as standard to all SOUND FITTED DELUXE models and this DCC-operated feature provides hands-free uncoupling with the press of a single function button. Compatible with all standard tension lock couplings, each SOUND FITTED DELUXE model comes with Auto-Release Couplings fitted at each end of the locomotive as standard. The couplings are mounted via the standard NEM coupling pockets, with a miniature plug allowing easy removal should it be required, to facilitate the fitting of accessory parts for example.

In addition to the Auto-Release Couplings, SOUND FITTED DELUXE models also feature a motorised roof fan which is synchronised as part of the sound project allowing the fan to operate at varying speeds depending on the engine status and speed settings of the locomotive. The tinted glazing meanwhile is applied to the Driver’s and Second Man’s windscreens only, leaving the smaller central windscreen un-treated as per the prototype. Every Class 31 will also be available in standard format or with SOUND FITTED. Like all Bachmann products, SOUND FITTED and SOUND FITTED DELUXE models will operate on both DCC and analogue control straight out of the box. When used on analogue control, a range of authentic sound effects can be enjoyed when power is applied, along with the operation of the motorised roof fan on SOUND FITTED DELUXE models.

David Haarhaus, Managing Director of Bachmann Europe Plc said: “The Class 31 has been a rather obvious omission from the Bachmann Branchline range for many years now. Ever since the launch of the Graham Farish Class 31s in N scale, the company has been inundated with requests to scale those models up to OO. Knowing that we could make a model befitting the Branchline name, and one that suits Bachmann’s beliefs of supporting independent retailers and the industry as a whole, meant this was an easy project to give the green light to.”David continued: “Every Bachmann product is a team effort, drawing on the skills and expertise of many colleagues both in the UK and abroad to create our award-winning products but at the same time, every project of this magnitude requires a figurehead who really knows their subject to lead the development process. For the Class 31, we were very lucky with the timing of Graeme’s arrival at Bachmann, as he was able to take over a project that was already at an advance stage and make his mark to ensure we reached this point with a fantastic, high-fidelity and extremely accurate model to show for all of our efforts.”

Concluding his thoughts, David said: “I am very proud that time and time again, Bachmann has been at the forefront of introducing new features, new innovations and new standards to the British market, and we see this again with the new Class 31 and its Auto-Release couplings. In general, uncoupling has been one of the most unrealistic aspects of model railway operation so to make this process hands-free and automated, I think is going to be a real game changer for our consumers and one that I am sure our customers will enjoy demonstrating in their stores, alongside our new Kinesis DCC system which will provide a powerful tool to model railway operators.”

BACHMANN BRANCHLINE – ALL-NEW OO SCALE CLASS 30/31 SPECIFICATION

MECHANISM:

•  Five pole, twin shaft motor with two flywheels providing drive to both bogies
•  All axle drive
•  Electrical pickup from all outer wheels on each bogie
•  Separate metal bearings fitted to each axle
•  Diecast metal chassis block and bogie towers
•  Diecast metal gearboxes, with gearing arranged for prototypical running speeds and haulage capabilities
•  16.5mm (OO gauge) wheels to NEM310 & NEM311 standards with authentic profile and detailing
•  Detachable coupling pockets to NEM362 standards fitted to each bogie
•  Auto-Release Couplings fitted at both ends – DCC operated, hands-free uncoupling with the press of a function button (SOUND FITTED DELUXE models only)
•  Designed to operate on curves of second radius (438mm) or greater

DETAILING:

•  Bogies constructed from multiple components featuring full relief detail
•  Rotating radiator fan, driven by an independent motor and gearbox, operated as part of the sound project on DCC and Analogue control (SOUND FITTED DELUXE models only)
•  Tinted windscreen glazing (Driver and Second Man windscreens only as per the prototype, SOUND FITTED DELUXE models only)
•  Separately applied metal detail parts, including grab handles, windscreen wipers and etched fan grilles
•  Sprung metal buffers
•  Each model supplied with a full set of decorated, model-specific bufferbeam pipework and accessory parts including three-piece, body-mounted snow ploughs

LIGHTING:

•  Directional lighting, including illuminated headcode panels and high intensity headlights where applicable, switchable on/off at either end on DCC or Analogue control
•  Cab lighting*, assigned to two DCC functions for separate switching of each
•  Separately switched Engine Room lighting*
•  Single or win red tail lights (*when used on DCC)
•  Authentic light colours and temperatures selected for each model based on era and application

DCC:

•  Plux22 DCC decoder interface

SOUND:

•  Two quality speakers employed for optimum sound reproduction, fitted to every model as standard
•  Zimo MS450P22 DCC Sound Decoder fitted to SOUND FITTED and SOUND FITTED

DELUXE versions

•  Two sound projects to accurately capture the sounds of Class 30 (Mirrlees Engine) and Class 31 (English Electric Engine)
•  Sound files for each project produced specifically for the Bachmann Branchline Class 30/31 using recordings from real locomotives and archive audio
•  SOUND FITTED and SOUND FITTED DELUXE models operate on DCC and Analogue control as supplied. On Analogue, an authentic engine start up sequence and running sounds are produced when power is applied LIVERY APPLICATION:
•  Authentic liveries applied to all models
•  Multiple paint applications employed on each model using BR and corporate specification colours
•  Logos, numerals and text added as appropriate using multi-stage tampo printing using authentic typefaces, logos and colours
•  In addition, where applicable Etched Nameplates and Plaques are also provided

DETAIL VARIANTS:

• Countless variations are catered for to allow accurate models to be produced depending on the locomotive being portrayed, options include:
• Class 30 and Class 31 variants – with Mirrlees (Class 30) or English Electric (Class 31) Engine
• Block detailing and roof exhaust ports
• With or without Gangway Doors
• Original or Refurbished Bodies
• Full, Modified or Removed Bufferbeam Cowling
• With or without Windscreen Washer Jet Covers
• With Electric Train Heating (locomotive-specific, different fitment for original and refurbished locomotives
• Open or Plated Steam Heat Boiler Port on Roof
• Open or Plated Steam Heat Water Tank Filler
• Open or Plated Bodyside Steps (Original Bodies)
• Battery Boxes with or without later safety clips
• High Intensity Headlights (multiple positions)
• Original or Reinforced Driver’s Windscreen
• Optional NRN Radio Pods on Cab Roof
• Optional Roof Fan Grille ‘Top Hat’
• Original or Modified Bodyside Fan Grilles

35-801 Class 30 D5564 BR Green (Late Crest) £199.95
35-801SF Class 30 D5564 BR Green (Late Crest) £309.95
35-801SFX Class 30 D5564 BR Green (Late Crest) £359.95

35-801A Class 30 D5617 BR Green (Late Crest) £199.95
35-801ASF Class 30 D5617 BR Green (Late Crest) £309.95
35-801ASFX Class 30 D5617 BR Green (Late Crest) £359.95

35-805 Class 31/1 31123 BR Blue £199.95 
35-805SF Class 31/1 31123 BR Blue £309.95
35-805SFX Class 31/1 31123 BR Blue £359.95

35-805A Class 31/1 31293 BR Blue £199.95
35-805ASF Class 31/1 31293 BR Blue £309.95
35-805ASFX Class 31/1 31293 BR Blue £359.95

35-821 Class 31/1 Refurbished 31180 BR Railfreight (Red Stripe) £199.95
35-821SF Class 31/1 Refurbished 31180 BR Railfreight (Red Stripe) £309.95
35-821SFX Class 31/1 Refurbished 31180 BR Railfreight (Red Stripe) £359.95

35-821A Class 31/1 Refurbished 31149 BR Railfreight (Red Stripe) £199.95 
35-821ASF Class 31/1 Refurbished 31149 BR Railfreight (Red Stripe) £309.95
35-821ASFX Class 31/1 Refurbished 31149 BR Railfreight (Red Stripe) £359.95

35-823 Class 31/1 Refurbished 31319 BR Railfreight Petroleum Sector £199.95
35-823SF Class 31/1 Refurbished 31319 BR Railfreight Petroleum Sector £309.95
35-823SFX Class 31/1 Refurbished 31319 BR Railfreight Petroleum Sector £359.95

35-823A Class 31/1 Refurbished 31304 BR Railfreight Petroleum Sector £199.95
35-823ASF Class 31/1 Refurbished 31304 BR Railfreight Petroleum Sector £309.95
35-823ASFX Class 31/1 Refurbished 31304 BR Railfreight Petroleum Sector £359.95

35-825 Class 31/4 Refurbished 31435 BR Blue £199.95
35-825SF Class 31/4 Refurbished 31435 BR Blue £309.95
35-825SFX Class 31/4 Refurbished 31435 BR Blue £359.95

35-830 Class 31/4 Refurbished 31407 Mainline Freight £199.95
35-830SF Class 31/4 Refurbished 31407 Mainline Freight £309.95
35-830SFX Class 31/4 Refurbished 31407 Mainline Freight £359.95

I am looking to purchase this class 20.  Does anyone know of there are any issues with it regards the shade of blue, sound quality plus speaker.  Also do they work well together in pairs.  Thank you

A BRAND NEW BRUSH FROM BACHMANN BRANCHLINE

In a surprise announcement ahead of its Autumn 2021 British Railway Announcements, Bachmann Europe Plc today revealed that it has developed all-new models of the iconic Brush Type 4, Class 47 Diesel Locomotives for its Bachmann Branchline OO scale range.

Owing nothing to its predecessors, development of the new Bachmann Branchline Class 47 began several years ago and, using original drawings, diagrams, site visits and surveys of real locomotives, Bachmann has created an unrivalled model of British Rail’s most prolific first generation mainline diesel locomotive. In a comprehensive video presentation, Bachmann Europe’s Production Development Manager, Dave Parsons joined Richard Proudman, Communications Manager, to discuss the project in great detail, showcasing the extensive suite of tooling that has been developed in order to produce accurate models of the majority of the 512-strong fleet throughout their working lives – a breath-taking endeavour considering the Class has been active for 59 years and counting.

Bachmann have long led the way in bringing new innovations to the British market and the Class 47 continues this trend with the introduction of a motorised fan system – the first of its type ever seen on a British-outline, OO scale model. The twin radiator fans, a prominent feature of the Class 47 when viewed from above, are operated by a dedicated motor, with fan rotation configured within the DCC decoder to provide rotation of both fans when the model is operated on either DCC and analogue control.

This ground-breaking feature adds to the already impressive specification which includes a new Dual Fitted speaker system for authentic sound reproduction and extensive lighting features including engine room lighting, all of which can be controlled independently when operated on DCC. Movement is provided by the five pole motor which is fitted with twin flywheels, driving all axles and with electrical pickup from all wheels. Each axle runs in a pair of separate metal bearings, located in the diecast metal bogie towers which are fitted to the diecast metal chassis block, resulting in a total weight for the finished model that is some 10% greater than its predecessor.

Every Class 47 offered will be produced in three formats, with standard versions ready for use on analogue control out of the box and with a Plux22 DCC decoder socket for those consumers wishing to fit their own DCC decoder. SOUND FITTED models will also be offered and these versions are pre-fitted with a ESU Loksound V5 DCC Decoder, whilst a new SOUND FITTED DELUXE format has been introduced for those models that feature the new motorised fan system. In addition, the SOUND FITTED DELUXE specification includes windscreen glazing that has been treated with a specialist technique to replicate the tinting seen on the prototype. Like all Bachmann products, SOUND FITTED and SOUND FITTED DELUXE models will operate on both DCC and analogue control straight out of the box. When used on analogue control, a range of authentic sound effects can be enjoyed when power is applied, including a convincing engine start up procedure before the model moves – along with randomised rotation of the motorised fans on SOUND FITTED DELUXE versions.

David Haarhaus, Managing Director of Bachmann Europe Plc said: “We strive to ensure that our customers, your local retailers, continue to purchase contemporary Bachmann models manufactured to the highest definition available today. We shall always review our existing portfolio, revisit previous subjects and where commercially viable invest in an updated Branchline or Graham Farish product. This is a well established policy here at Barwell, illustrated by the complete retooling of our N scale range and the replacement of many elderly OO scale items such as the J72 and Jubilee, alongside complete ranges of coaches and wagons as witnessed with the Thompson coaches to name just one.”

David continued: “The 2021 Class 20 and Class 24 are completely new models in every detail. We hope our brand new Class 47, with the backing of the Bachmann Branchline brand, will light up the shelves and display cases of our customers around the world for many years to come.”

With production of the first batch of models complete, details of the locomotives that will be arriving with Bachmann retailers this Autumn will be unveiled in the Autumn 2021 British Railway Announcements which premieres on YouTube at 0930 on Wednesday 4th August 2021.

BACHMANN BRANCHLINE – ALL-NEW OO SCALE CLASS 47 SPECIFICATION

The all-new Bachmann Branchline OO Scale Class 47 Diesel Locomotive features an unprecedented level of detail and technical features, details of which are as follows:

Mechanism:

- Five pole, twin shaft motor with two flywheels providing drive to both bogies

- All axle drive

- Electrical pickup from all wheels

- Separate metal bearings fitted to each axle

- Diecast metal chassis block and bogie towers

- Diecast metal gearboxes, with gearing arranged for prototypical running speeds and haulage capabilities

- 16.5mm (OO gauge) wheels to NEM310 & NEM311 standards with authentic profile and detailing

- Detachable coupling pockets to NEM362 standards fitted to each bogie

- Designed to operate on curves of second radius (438mm) or greater

Detailing:

- Brush-built and Crewe-built locomotives portrayed

- Options for Original or Cut-Cab body style

- Bogies constructed from multiple components featuring full relief detail

- Rotating radiator fans, driven by an independent motor and gearbox, operated via a DCC function, or randomised when operated as part of the sound project on DCC and Analogue control (SOUND FITTED DELUXE models only)

- Tinted windscreen glazing (SOUND FITTED DELUXE models only)

- Separately applied metal detail parts, including grab handles, windscreen wipers and etched fan grilles

- Sprung metal buffers

- Each model supplied with a full set of decorated, model-specific bufferbeam pipework and accessory parts

Lighting:

- Directional lighting, switchable on/off at either end on DCC or Analogue control

- Cab lighting, assigned to two DCC functions for separate switching of each

- Separately switched Engine Room lighting

- Authentic light colours and temperatures selected for each model based on era and application DCC: - Plux22 DCC decoder interface 

Sound:

- Two quality speakers employed for optimum sound reproduction, fitted to every model as standard

- ESU Loksound V5DCC Sound Decoder fitted to SOUND FITTED and SOUND FITTED DELUXE versions

- Sound files produced specifically for the Bachmann Branchline Class 47 using recordings from real locomotives

- SOUND FITTED and SOUND FITTED DELUXE models operate on DCC and Analogue control as supplied. On Analogue, an authentic engine start up sequence, including the momentary dimming of all lights during engine start up, and running sounds are produced when power is applied

Livery Application:

- Authentic liveries applied to all models - Multiple paint applications employed on each model using BR specification colours

- Logos, numerals and text added as appropriate using multi-stage tampo printing using authentic typefaces, logos and colours

- Etched metal nameplates, symbols and plaques included where appropriate

Detail Variants:

Countless variations are catered for to allow accurate models to be produced depending on the locomotive being portrayed, options include:

- Headcode panel arrangements from as-built to current-day

- Radiator Grilles

- Roof exhaust cover

- Steam Heat Boiler Ports/blanks

- Cab roof vents - Cab mounted aerial

- Windscreen Wipers

- Cab Door Kickplates

- Headlights, both Scottish ‘Car’ and High Intensity versions

- ETH Equipment

- Multi-operation jumper sockets

- TDM jumpers

- Class 47/7 multiple working jumpers and cooling pipes

- Fuel and Water Tank arrangements

- Water Tank fillers

- Buffers

- Bogie-mounted cab steps

- Speedo Drives

35-410 OO Class 47/0 D1565 BR Two-Tone Green (Small Yellow Panels) £239.95
35-410SF OO Class 47/0 D1565 BR Two-Tone Green (Small Yellow Panels) £339.95
35-410SFX OO Class 47/0 D1565 BR Two-Tone Green (Small Yellow Panels) £369.95

35-411 OO Class 47/0 47012 BR Blue £239.95
35-411SF OO Class 47/0 47012 BR Blue £339.95
35-411SFX OO Class 47/0 47012 BR Blue £369.95

35-413 OO Class 47/4 47828 BR InterCity (Swallow) £239.95
35-413SF OO Class 47/4 47828 BR InterCity (Swallow) £339.95
35-413SFX OO Class 47/4 47828 BR InterCity (Swallow) £369.95

35-418 OO Class 47/0 47004 BR Railfreight Construction Sector £239.95
35-418SF OO Class 47/0 47004 BR Railfreight Construction Sector £339.95
35-418SFX OO Class 47/0 47004 BR Railfreight Construction Sector £369.95

35-419 OO Class 47/3 47375 'Tinsley Traction Depot' BR RF Distribution European £239.95
35-419SF OO Class 47/3 47375 'Tinsley Traction Depot' BR RF Distribution European £339.95
35-419SFX OO Class 47/3 47375 'Tinsley Traction Depot' BR RF Distribution European £369.95

To coincide with the first two locomotives entering traffic, Bachmann Europe Plc today announced that it has reached an exclusive agreement with GB Railfreight to produce models of the exciting new Class 69 diesel locomotives in both OO and N scale.

The New Class 69 locomotives are being converted from Class 56s by the American company Progress Rail at their Stoke-on-Trent facility to meet GBRf’s growing motive power requirements. Providing improved emissions and fuel economy plus standardisation among the fleet, the new locomotives incorporate various new parts including new EMD engines, the same as fitted to the Class 66 locomotives that have proved so successful for GBRf, along with a new cab interior which too is similar to that of a 66. The Class 56 bogies, wheelsets and traction motor have been retained having all been overhauled to a high standard.

Ten locomotives have been ordered with the option for six more and the first two, Nos. 69001 and 69002 have now entered traffic. No. 69002 carries GBRf’s take on the classic BR Blue Large Logo livery whilst No. 69001 has been decorated in a special livery with American and British flags signifying the American input into the rebuilding of this British-designed locomotive – the name ‘Mayflower’ has also been applied.

David Haarhaus, Managing Director of Bachmann Europe Plc said: “We are delighted that GB Railfreight have given us the responsibility of reproducing their new Class 69 locomotive in model form. The real locomotives have already grabbed the attention of enthusiasts and we are sure that these models will be just as popular. We have always enjoyed a strong relationship with GBRf and so we are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with them once again to produce models of these distinctive locomotives. It is perfect timing for us as we will be able to incorporate the high level of detail and features that are associated with Bachmann products, including all of the latest technologies that are being employed on our new generation of locomotives.”

David continued: “we recently worked with GBRf to produce the Pride of Britain Train Packs, the sales of which will benefit NHS Charities Together, and I am proud that the agreement to produce these Class 69 models will present another opportunity for us both to give to a deserving charity. In addition to Nos. 69001 and 69002, we will be producing a model of another member of the Class, the profits from the sales of which will be donated to a charity of GBRf’s choice.”

Bob Tiller, Engineering Strategy Director for GB Railfreight said: GBRf are delighted to work with Bachmann on this prestigious project, we are very excited for our new fleet of 69s and even more excited to see highly detailed Bachmann Class 69 models of these locomotives available to everyone. GBRf work with a number of highly respected UK charities including those affiliated to the NHS and the sums collected will help everyone in these times. We are producing a number of special liveries to ensure a colourful and interesting collection and look forward to seeing them enjoyed on our layouts.”

Models of the Class 69 will appear in both the Bachmann Branchline and Graham Farish ranges in due course and further updates will be provided as the models develop. 

Thanks

Dave