Product Preview: OO Scale Class 69s
It has been a few years since we first announced our upcoming OO scale models of the Class 69 for the Bachmann Branchline range, and it’s clear from all of the questions that we’ve received since then that there is a keen interest for these new locomotives. The models are still some time away, but engineering prototypes are now being displayed on our stands at exhibitions and shows, so this is a great opportunity to go into more details about the features that you can expect from these models when they arrive.
These Class 69 models will feature highly-detailed mouldings with many separately fitted parts such as etched bodyside and roof fan grilles. The cab ends feature metal windscreen wipers and separately fitted driver’s door handrails, and there will be sprung buffers on the bufferbeam. The models will have fully decorated cab and machine room interiors, which are complemented by separately controllable interior lighting when used on DCC. Under the solebar, the bogies will have full-relief detail and feature a wealth of separately fitted components including the brakes, suspension equipment and securing chains. The models also all share the following features:
- Five pole, twin shaft motor with two flywheels providing drive to both bogies
- All axle drive with electrical pickup from all wheels and separate metal bearings fitted to each axle
- Close coupling mechanism fitted at each end, each of which is fitted with coupling pockets to NEM362 standards
- Plux22 DCC decoder interface – recommended Decoder Item No. 36-570B
- Directional lighting, switchable on/off at either end when used on DCC or Analogue control
- Dual Fitted – Two quality speakers employed for optimum sound reproduction, fitted to every model as standard
- Each model supplied with a full set of decorated, model-specific bufferbeam pipework and accessory parts, including etched nameplates where applicable
There will also be SOUND FITTED and SOUND FITTED DELUXE versions of each model. These versions will be fitted with an ESU Loksound V5 DCC Sound Decoder that has been pre-programmed with an exclusive sound project using recordings from real locomotives. The SOUND FITTED DELUXE variants will additionally feature motorised radiator fans and the new Bachmann Auto-Release Coupling System!
Both the SOUND FITTED and SOUND FITTED DELUXE variants can also be used on most Analogue (DC) layouts, where they will play authentic engine start up sequences and running sounds when power is applied.
The Class 69s were designed by GB Railfreight, who needed additional locomotives that had similar capabilities to their existing Class 66s. They were converted from older Class 56 locomotives that had originally been constructed by British Rail Engineering Limited in Crewe and Doncaster, along with Electroputere in Romania. The conversion included the installation of new equipment and systems, including the same type of EMD 710 diesel engine that was used on the Class 66. The first ten Class 69 locomotives were in service by the start of 2024, with further locomotives still to be completed.
35-776(SF/SFX) – Class 69 69001 ‘Mayflower’ GBRf (UK & US Flags)
Our first model is 35‑776, which depicts Class 69 No. 69001, in GBRf livery with UK and US Flags. This locomotive has been given the name ‘Mayflower‘. The SOUND FITTED version will be available under product code 35‑776SF whilst the SOUND FITTED DELUXE version will be 35‑776SFX.
35-777(SF/SFX) – Class 69 69002 ‘Bob Tiller CM&EE’ BR Blue (Large Logo) (GBRf)
35-778(SF/SFX) – Class 69 69003 ‘The Railway Observer’ GBRf
Our penultimate model, 35‑778, is Class 69 No. 69003 in the livery of GBRf. This locomotive is called ‘The Railway Observer‘. The SOUND FITTED version will be 35‑778SF whilst the SOUND FITTED DELUXE version will be available as 35‑778SFX.
35-780(SF/SFX) – Class 69 69005 ‘Eastleigh’ BR Green (Late Crest) (GBRf)
The final Class 69 model is 35‑780, which depicts No. 69005 in GBRf’s version of the BR Green livery with late BR crest. This locomotive has been given the name ‘Eastleigh‘. The SOUND FITTED version will be available under product code 35‑780SF whilst the SOUND FITTED DELUXE version will be 35‑780SFX.
The final recommended retail prices, availability dates and other details for these models will be confirmed closer to release, so head to the Bachmann Europe website where you will be able to find those updates and further information as they arrive. Pre-orders for these models are now being accepted, so get in touch with your nearest retailer to order yours!
Your nearest retailer can be found by using the Retailers page on our website, which can be accessed either from the menu at the top of the page or by clicking on the button below.
