Bachmann announce all new Class 37

[AY Mod]

 

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

[Hilux5972]

Why? Why are they going up against the Accurascale version? 

[Legend]

Oooer missus .

 

Chains as well 

 

I think Accurascale may well regret not introducing an 80s 37/4 .

 

Models have certainly reached a level of fidelity I would never have dreamt of just a few years ago

 

No mention of price I note . Suspect same as 47. There Accurascale may well still have advantage.

Edited July 23, 2022 by Legend

[Nickel Plate]

1 minute ago, Hilux5972 said:

Why? Why are they going up against the Accurascale version? 

Errr because this must have been underway for longer according to the video?

[Ian J.]

I think it's likely I'll stick with Accurascale on this one. Despite their relative newness to the U.K. outline market for locomotives, I trust them more than any of the main four. A/S just engage with us in a better way.

[Hilux5972]

1 minute ago, Nickel Plate said:

Errr because this must have been underway for longer according to the video?

Yeah realise that now. Watching on a different screen while on here at same time. Hopefully they compete on price. 

[TomScrut]

Will be interesting to see how it is priced. Looks like it is going to have working fans too which is a USP over the AS one.

 

Ultimately my choices will be down to what they offer. I have plenty 6 existing Bachmann ones, I have 5 AS ones on order, if they make more relevant to me then I will buy!

 

There are 3 classes I think can probably sustain 2 high spec models in the market, the 66, 47 and of course the 37 so I don't think either side will be burnt by this TBH.

[Delta_Who]

I'm not even surprised. I did say that Bachmann would not look too kindly on Accurascale taking the Deltic and the 37 :P 

 

Now where in the world is this type of competition for the Electrostars? :/

[wainwright1]

There will be a lot more members doing the Lottery in the future.

[jjb1970]

Interesting. That looks superb, I suspect the market for Class 37's is big enough to support both Accurascale and Bachmann. As to why, Bachmann aren't going to sit back and watch somebody else eat their lunch. I see this as very positive as 37 fans are going to be spoiled.

[Hilux5972]

A shame they haven’t done something about the snowploughs shown on the EWS version. They are a still a one piece moulding with unprototypical horizontal bars holding the ploughs together. Hornby managed 3 seperate ploughs years ago with the first Class 50’s. 

[richard w]

Bachmann's existing 37 was a regular release until around 2019.  The silence since then had myself and friends speculate that this was coming.  I'll buy from whoever makes the liveries relevant to me.  Both will be good models side by side I'm sure.

[Chrisr40]

Bachmann railroad range with the existing 37 anyone ?

[JerseyJon]

There was very little wrong with the old model (of which I have 7) but this looks to take it to the next level. I’ll probably buy the club issue, and I’m still looking forward to my A/S 37/6. 
 

I think Bachmann should be applauded for the increased detail, but I was hoping for the 319 in 00 …. Hopefully we might get that in a weeks time with the main quarterly announcement? 

[TomScrut]

17 minutes ago, TomScrut said:

Will be interesting to see how it is priced

 

£244.95, £344.95 and £374.95 for the different levels.

 

So then theres the usual 15% to come off that I presume making them £208.21, £293.21 and £318.71.

 

Dearer than the upcoming AS release, but I aren't surprised here. Probably close enough in price to allow the actual locos in question to be the decision rather than just price and/or any perceived quality differences.

 

The other thing is that I expect this price to be the same for a year or so. Batch 2 of AS's 37 I expect will be more expensive than batch 1.

Edited July 23, 2022 by TomScrut

[Hilux5972]

£244.95/£344.95/£374.95

 

Be interesting to see how that’s gonna go up against the Accurascale version. 

[TomScrut]

2 minutes ago, Chrisr40 said:

Bachmann railroad range with the existing 37 anyone ?

 

It probably doesn't cost much less to make than the new one, at least not to the point where they want to compete with themselves on it (which I expect is what would ultimately happen)

[Scottish-Exile]

Oh exciting 😀

 

Like others, I think the market place will support both the A/S and Bachmann models. With just 2 versions available in this initial offering today, I do feel they rushed it forward, either to meet the DEMU launch or to be first to the market before the A/S version hits the shops. I guess Warley was too long to wait.

 

Will come down to liveries and specific models as to which I'll buy.

[TomScrut]

9 minutes ago, Scottish-Exile said:

initial offering today

 

I think they said more to be announced next week?

[JSpencer]

Kernow just annouced one as an exclusive on their site.

[dave56]

Did I miss something ,but there was no mention of 37/6?

[Legend]

27 minutes ago, Scottish-Exile said:

Oh exciting 😀

 

Like others, I think the market place will support both the A/S and Bachmann models. With just 2 versions available in this initial offering today, I do feel they rushed it forward, either to meet the DEMU launch or to be first to the market before the A/S version hits the shops. I guess Warley was too long to wait.

 

Will come down to liveries and specific models as to which I'll buy.

isn’t the first batch of Accurascale more or less sold out anyway ? I think the battleground will be against a possible 2nd batch from Accurascale . I hope the Bachmann one doesn’t kill this off - I don’t think so .  But the Accurascale boys need to announce pretty quickly as in fairness Bachmann have some models to sell now , with others announced next week .  I want a Scottish 37/4 and I know who I’d rather give my money to . 

[virginhst539]

21 minutes ago, TomScrut said:

 

I think they said more to be announced next week?

Cant be time for the next few months announcements already? Does not seem that long since the last one

[jjb1970]

I really don't see this as either/or, there's room for Bachmann and Accurascale. If competition drives improvement and higher standards then what's not to like? I'm pretty certain I'll have examples of each before too long.

[Scottish-Exile]

3 minutes ago, Legend said:

 I want a Scottish 37/4 and I know who I’d rather give my money to . 

 

Yup. My fleet is ready for an upgrade. If Bachmann and Accurascale both start releasing the models I'm after, this is going to get pretty expensive.