On August 2, Bachmann’s quarterly announcement and release schedule revealed an exciting mix of models across the manufacturer’s ranges and scales, due both imminently and over the coming months. With plenty to choose from, here are some of the highlights…
1: Linda gains a pony
It has been no secret that a 2-4-0STT version of the Ffestiniog’s main line Hunslets has been lurking in the background, with maintenance sheets for the 0-4-0ST variants including this in its diagrams. Since then, modellers have been waiting with baited breath for such a release – and that time has finally come.
This latest version of the popular Linda depicts the Hunslet as it ran during the 1990s, when it was converted for oil firing. Fitted with a stovepipe chimney, the tender coal space now also carries the oil tank. Though Linda is perhaps best recognised in the FR’s green livery, this model portrays the Midnight Blue scheme it wore during this period, edged with black and white lining. Just 500 models have been produced and are available exclusively through the Bachmann Collector’s Club, with a 10% discount against the RRP of the main range models. DCC-ready versions are available for £206.96, with DCC sound-fitted examples priced at £296.96; both are in stock now.
2: Dinorwic focus
Also joining the OO9 narrow gauge range are two new wagon designs based on examples that could be found around the Dinorwic Quarry in Wales.
Once the world’s second largest slate quarry, it had a vast narrow gauge network to move materials around with many four-wheel wagons built to its own design, some of which survive in the National Slate Museum at Llanberis, which is situated in the former Gilfach Dddu workshops.
Available in triple packs, four-wheel flatbed wagons have been produced both with and without sides, the former designed for transporting finished slate and very much typical of the ‘slate wagon’ appearance.
As with Bachmann’s previously released slate wagons, these are available in grey and red liveries; the red flat wagons carry three different names. All wagons are unnumbered but red wagons with sides do carry tare weights on their solebars.
Suitable slate load packs are also being released, designed to fit into these new wagons, which perfectly complement the previously released 0-4-0ST quarry Hunslet models synonymous with Dinorwic (and quarrying in general).
3: Heritage structures
The Scenecraft range has also expanded further with additional buildings that would suit those modelling areas based on or around some of the UK’s heritage lines, with a focus on the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway company.
Returning in both OO and N scales, Shillingstone goods shed will be available in both the previously released green colour scheme and, as is the current trend for Bachmann, alternatively with red woodwork and guttering; Shillingstone station survives as the base of the North Dorset Railway. An additional S&DJR location being produced is the Burnahm-on-Sea brick station building and accompanying train shed roof, both available in the green and cream colours, with the alternative option being chocolate and cream.
Complementing the Great Central Railway’s Rothley signal cabin previously announced and released this year will be a GCR lamp hut in matching liveries, while those modelling the Midland & Great Northern route of the North Norfolk Railway are being presented with a platform mounted signalbox based off that at Weybourne, available in green or brown schemes.
4: Staniers in N
For those modelling N gauge, amid the modern traction selection presented by the Graham Farish Brand are six new LMS 4-6-0 ‘Black Five’ locomotives, which includes two preserved examples.
The first of these is No. 5000, which survives within the National Collection and can currently be found on display at Shildon’s Locomotion museum.
Also in the range will be No. 45407 The Lancashire Fusillier, one of Ian Riley’s fleet of locomotives and a regular performer on main line excursions. Finished in BR lined black with early crest, it also sports blue backed smokebox number and shed plates that was applied to those based in the Scottish Region, where the locomotive has often be seen operating West Coast’s ‘Jacobite’ services.
5: Pre-Grouping extravagance
Marking the third anniversary of the EFE range, the firm’s LSWR cross-country carriage packs will expand further with the previously released triple packs now receiving a newly-tooled fourth vehicle that opens up additional livery options.
Now available in pre-Grouping LSWR Salmon and Brown or SR Maunsell lined green, these are bolstered by the addition of the all-third tooling to create the fixed-rake packs of the 56ft length carriages that were used extensively over the south western region of the Southern railway network.
Two carriages survive, with composite No. 5065 awaiting restoration on the Kent & East Sussex Railway.
The restored and operational brake third No. 1520 resides on the Bluebell Railway and is resplendent in the LSWR colours. That very carriage is included in the Salmon and Brown liveries four-coach pack; RRP for these is set at £279.95 but can be found with discounts equating to 15% at various retailers.
An additional new model is the LSWR covered van, with six models available showcasing the variety of differences these vehicles bore during their working lives, including brake types, heights, doors and vents. Several examples survive in preservation.
6: Further highlights
There were many other products announced for release, including the return of the OO scale Mk.1 suburban carriages (in BR crimson, lined maroon, and blue liveries), additional BR standard Class 9F 2-10-0 locomotives with Tyne Dock Westinghouse modifications, and Class 411 3CEP and Class 422 4TEP EMUs.
The EFE N scale range also welcomes the all-new tooled 0-6-0ST Hunslet Austerity and LNER J94 class locomotives in a range of BR and industrial liveries, with the preserved Wemyss Private Railway No. 15 included in the offerings.
Many of these products, along with others, were due to be in shops during August and September.
Modern image modellers will be able to support charity when purchasing a special edition Class 66 model directly from Accurascale. Adopting the nickname from their garden shed-style cab roof, Class 66 No. 66769 in GBRf Prostate Cancer UK livery was launched at the model manufacturer’s takeover of Pete Waterman’s Making Tracks III event at Chester Cathedral, with a fully working pre-production sample in operation on the 64ft-long layout of Milton Keynes Central.
The real No. 66769 arrived as part of the penultimate delivery of ‘sheds’; in 2021 GBRf ran its annual charity railtour and this locomotive was selected to wear a special livery and be an integral part of the tour.
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