Latest Product Development News from Branchline & Farish

The latest Branchline OO scale Engineering Prototype (EP) sample to arrive at our Barwell HQ is for the highly anticipated Class 158 2-Car Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU). Our highly detailed models will have an array of features including switchable day and night modes, illuminated destination blinds and the factory fitted sound version will also feature twin speakers for added realism. Three variations of the Class 158 DMU will be available as:

• No. 158849 in Regional Railways livery with factory fitted sound (31-517DS) 
• No. 158773 in East Midlands Trains livery (31-518)
• No. 158766 in GWR livery (31-519)

Above: EP sample of OO scale Class 158

The Class 158 DMUs were constructed by British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL), Derby, from 1989 to 1992. At the time many passenger services were still locomotive-hauled or were operated by first generation DMUs – both of which were intended to be replaced by the new Class 158s. Built as part of the ‘Sprinter’ family of diesel multiple units, these second generations units can still be seen working mainline duties across the UK for numerous railway operators including Abellio ScotRail, Arriva Trains Wales and Great Western Railway, to name a few.

In our Graham Farish N scale range, Engineering Prototype (EP) samples have now been received for our model of the Class 70/8 Diesel Locomotive. This highly detailed model depicts the locomotives which have undergone air intake modifications and come complete with a selection of features including etched fan grilles, switchable tail lights and twin flywheel mechanism. Two models of the Class 70/8 Diesel Locomotive will be available in N scale from Graham Farish as:

• No. 70015 in Freightliner livery (371-640)
• No. 70805 in Colas Railfreight livery (371-641)

Above: EP sample of N scale Class 70/8

Since 2009, a total of 37 Class 70s have been built by General Electric (Eire, Pennsylvania) for Freightliner and more recently Colas Rail. Freightliner originally ordered the locomotives in November 2007 having worked alongside GE to produce the design for a locomotive which both matched or increased the performance of older classes whilst also being more fuel-efficient. Freightliner drivers were also consulted on the cab design resulting in a better working environment than Class 66s. The locomotives can be found on a variety of workings across the UK from container trains through to engineers workings.

To keep up to date on the development of these products and other Bachmann news, please visit our website.