Dicky L

Superb wagon

That’s right showing in stock on the website

They are probably saving that one for Autumn

With Bachmanns announcement of 20314 yesterday I am sure many others like myself purchased 2 x 311 to renumber one of them. It seems to make little sense to release the 2 separately when these locos normally operate as a pair.

Recently weathered BLAs

Here’s the video of the speaker upgraded 20s in action

I haven’t seen a thread for the HNRC 20s on here, so I thought I would take the opportunity to start one. I received two 20311 this week with a view to getting one renumbered to 20314. Prior to the renumber and Weathering I decided to upgrade the speakers. I have found that the Rail Exclusive Baby Boomer is a perfect fit and the results have surpassed my expectations. I have previously been critical of the Bachmann for not having working marker lights on this model along with the lack of speaker space, I almost cancelled my pre-order because of this. Whilst I am still disappointed with the marker light situation the Baby Boomer replacing the factory fitted speakers has made the sound immense in my opinion and this really is a great model from Bachmann.

2 HNRC 20/3s have arrived this week. Prior to them being weathered and one being renumbered to 20314 the speakers have been upgraded.

Thanks for another useful video Richard, whilst I have my issues with this model, like you say there is plenty still to like. Despite toying with the idea of cancelling my order for 2 HNRC versions of the 20/3 I have decided to go ahead. I would be interested to know if you have a personal preference on the different sound files you have available.

I guess this short rake is just going to have to get bigger!

Northern 150205 at Platform 2

I wouldn’t particularly expect to be able to fit an EM1/EM2 within the Class 20 body, I was simpIy trying to point out that the speaker limitations would make this model a poor relation to some others sound wise. I got the impression from your videos that there doesn’t appear to be room for anything much more than the double iphone speaker that you opted for. The Rail Exclusives twin boombox would be my speaker of choice for locos that don’t have room for the EMs. I am not particularly a fan of the double iphone speaker myself. I still think the lighting lets down this model badly just the same as it does on the Bachmann 57 and 66. I also acknowledge that I am very picky and perhaps harder to please than most. Once again thanks for the informative videos you produce.

I agree that the detail looks great. I just think the lighting issue and the lack of speaker space means that it will sound flimsy compared to others with EM2s in them. I really want a class 20 to be a beast of a loco alongside 37s etc. I suspect this model would need serious and expensive modifications to bring it even close to what we are anticipating with the Deltics and 37s RTR.

Firstly Richard thanks for your videos they are very helpful. I have to say I am very disappointed that Bachmann have not created a newly tooled Class 20 with working Marker Lights, I am also underwhelmed by the lack of speaker space. This is a model that should be up there with the best of them in the sound department. I now fear it will be quite inept in the company of the forthcoming Deltics and 37s from Accurascale. For me this could be a showstopper and I am considering cancelling my orders for 2 HNRC 20s. Does anyone else think Bachmann have failed to step up with this model?

One of my JSAs seen here on the layout of my weatherman. They will never look so nice and clean ever again I promise.

Disappointing they have not modernised the headlight cluster when the opportunity presented itself. I also find the interior lighting in these units flickers a lot and tend to remove them. I prefer the train tech lighting strips for that reason. With regard to 150220 and 150275 I notice the real 150275 does in fact have the light clusters painted yellow which may explain the shift in number. I already have 150220 in my fleet of repaints though with the toilet windows mods already in place so if I did buy the latest Bachmann offering I would have to renumber and perhaps add the bold NORTHERN 2021 decals.

Like you Tom I find 2019 to present day the best era to work with, This allows for Northern Abellio livery unbranded units to run alongside the latest livery that Bachmann are set to release. There is also scope to run unbranded FGW 150s, Unbranded London Midland 150s, FGW 153s, Unbranded Scotrail 156/158s, My constant source of frustration for that particular period is the constant branding changes to the white livery units making it near on impossible to stay current. People who know my Chesborough North layout will be aware that I have had several units repainted and modified. Looking at the latest pricing it has probably cost me significantly less to go down this route using bargain second hand units. Looking at Bachmanns latest offering I am not entirely sure whether it is 150275 as per Bachmanns website or 150220 as per Bachmanns photographs. Does anyone know the answer to this, Apologies if it has been covered elsewhere. Is this latest version a newly tooled Class 150/2? or is it simply a slightly modified body on the old chassis, I welcome the fact that Bachman appear to have removed a window to represent the disabled toilet modifications. It’s disappointing that the headlights appear to be the old style with the old markers.