Now Arriving: OO Scale Class 25s and Class 31s
This week has seen the first arrivals at Bachmann HQ of not one, but two brand new tooling models for the Bachmann Branchline OO scale range. These are the iconic British Rail Class 25 and Class 31 diesel locomotives, and the first examples of these exciting new models are now being sent to Bachmann retailers.
Both the Class 25s and Class 31s are made from all-new tooling and whilst the Class 25 has previously featured in the Bachmann Branchline range, these new models owe nothing to their predecessors and instead have been designed from the rails up to incorporate all the detail and features you would expect from a Branchline model – all made to the highest fidelity of course. Our first delivery includes models depicting Class 25/1 and Class 25/2 locomotives, both distinctly different beasts, and examples of Class 25/3s will be joining them soon too.
The Class 31 on the other hand has never before featured in the Bachmann Branchline OO scale range, but with an award-winning model already produced by Bachmann in N scale for the Graham Farish range, this model has a proven pedigree. We start with the Class 31, but its earlier brethren the Class 30 has also been catered for in our comprehensive tooling suite and models of the Class 30, and more 31s, will be landing with us very soon indeed.
Across the range of Class 25s and Class 31s, you can select from our standard models which feature a smooth and reliable drive mechanism, a suite of lighting options and plug and play DCC connectivity. If you want the added dimension of sound effects, then opt for a SOUND FITTED model which plays authentic sounds recorded from real locomotives and synchronised to the model’s operation when used on analogue or DCC. For the ultimate experience, our SOUND FITTED DELUXE models include all the benefits of their SOUND FITTED counterparts, but with the addition of motorised roof fans and authentic tinted glazing on the cab windows and again, both features can be enjoyed on both analogue and DCC. What’s more, our SOUND FITTED DELUXE Class 31 models are also fitted with the groundbreaking Auto-Release Coupling system – providing hands-free, DCC uncoupling with the press of a button.
Whichever model you choose, you can be sure that it has been crafted with the greatest care and attention to detail, ready to provide its new owner with many years of enjoyment from the moment it is placed on the rails.
SOUND FITTED DELUXE models are equipped with the Bachmann Auto-Release Coupling System.
Class 25s
The first Class 25 to arrive is Class 25/2 No. D5282 which is decorated in BR Two-Tone Green with Small Yellow Panels (32‑341(SF/SFX)). The locomotive features the later body style with cantrail grilles, bodyside boiler vent grille, bodyside steps and plated bodyside water filler door. There are glazed headcode panels at each end displaying blinds 1T38 and 9T61. Under the solebar, there are the original battery boxes along with late pattern sand boxes and a 510 gallon fuel tank.
![32-340 Class 25-1 25057 BR Blue [W]](https://i0.wp.com/news.bachmann.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/32-340-Class-25-1-25057-BR-Blue-W.jpg?resize=680%2C310&ssl=1)
Our second model depicts the earlier body style of a Class 25/1, in this case No. D25057 in weathered BR Blue livery (32‑340(SF/SFX)). This locomotive has the early style body with bodyside grilles that are hinged on one side. The gangway doors, bodyside boiler vent, and bodyside steps have all been plated over whilst the headcode panels both display 0000. Under the solebar, there are battery boxes with additional safety clips, late pattern sand boxes, a 510 gallon fuel tank and a 580 gallon water tank.
![32-340 Class 25/1 25057 BR Blue [W] Roof View](https://i0.wp.com/news.bachmann.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/32-340-Class-25-1-25057-BR-Blue-W-Roof-View-.jpg?resize=680%2C462&ssl=1)
Both models also share the following features:
- Diecast metal chassis block, bogie towers and metal gearboxes, with gearing arranged for prototypical running speeds and haulage capabilities
- Five pole, twin shaft motor with two flywheels providing drive to both bogies
- All axle drive with separate metal bearings fitted to each axle and electrical pickup from all wheels
- Directional lighting, including illuminated headcode panels, switchable on/off at either end on DCC or Analogue control
- Interior Cab Lighting (when used on DCC)
- Engine Room Lighting (when used on DCC, Class 25/2 & 25/3 only)
- Detachable coupling pockets to NEM362 standards fitted to each bogie
- Sprung Buffers
- Pre-fitted speaker in every model
- Standard models are equipped with a Plux22 DCC Decoder Socket – recommended Decoder item No. 36-570B
- Accessory Pack containing a full set of decorated, model-specific bufferbeam pipework and accessory parts along with three-piece, body-mounted snow ploughs and etched nameplates where appropriate
| Era | Class | Running No. | Head Codes | Livery | Standard | SOUND FITTED | SOUND FITTED DELUXE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 25/2 | D5282 | 1T38 and 9T61 | BR Two-Tone Green (Small Yellow Panels) | 32‑341 | 32‑341SF | 32‑341SFX |
| 7 | 25/1 | 25057 | 0000 and 0000 | Weathered BR Blue livery | 32‑340 | 32‑340SF | 32‑340SFX |
You can read more about these and the other upcoming Class 25 models in our recent Product Highlight article.
Class 31s
For the first of our Class 31s we welcome two Class 31/1s, No. 31123 (35‑805(SF/SFX)) and No. 31293 (35‑805A(SF/SFX)).
Both of these locomotives are decorated in BR Blue with full yellow ends and feature the original Class 31 body with plated gangway doors, boiler port, water filler hatch and bodyside steps. These models feature exhaust ports and engine block detail as appropriate for locomotives with an English Electric engine.
The models also all share the following features:
- Diecast metal chassis block, bogie towers and metal gearboxes, with gearing arranged for prototypical running speeds and haulage capabilities
- Five pole, twin shaft motor with two flywheels providing drive to both bogies
- All axle drive with separate metal bearings fitted to each axle and electrical pickup from all wheels
- Directional lighting, including illuminated headcode panels, switchable on/off at either end on DCC or Analogue control
- Interior Cab Lighting (when used on DCC)
- Engine Room Lighting (when used on DCC, Class 25/2 & 25/3 only)
- Detachable coupling pockets to NEM362 standards fitted to each bogie
- Sprung Buffers
- Pre-fitted speaker in every model
- Standard models are equipped with a Plux22 DCC Decoder Socket – recommended Decoder item No. 36-570B
- Accessory Pack containing a full set of decorated, model-specific bufferbeam pipework and accessory parts along with three-piece, body-mounted snow ploughs and etched nameplates where appropriate
| Era | Class | Running No. | Livery | Standard | SOUND FITTED | SOUND FITTED DELUXE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 31/1 | 31123 | BR Blue | 35‑805 | 35‑805SF | 35‑805SFX |
| 7 | 31/1 | 31293 | BR Blue | 35‑805A | 35‑805ASF | 35‑805ASFX |
You can read more about these and the other upcoming Class 31 models in our recent Product Highlight article.
These models will be arriving with Bachmann starting from next week, so head to the Bachmann Europe website where you can find more information about the full range. Once you’ve selected your models, 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.
Club Class 31 Available Now
As well as the above models which are arriving at retailers, there is another Class 31 that is available now from the Bachmann Collectors Club. Sharing the same high specification as the models mentioned above, the Club model depicts a Refurbished Class 31/1 No. 31190 ‘Gryphon’ (35-820K(SF/SFX)), which is decorated in West Coast Railway’s Maroon livery.
The Class 31 refurbishment programme included the removal of bufferbeam cowlings and bodyside bands; headcode boxes were plated over and fitted with two marker lights, and any remaining disc headcodes were removed. The sleek new appearance is captured in this club model, which also features high intensity head lights and NRN radio pods above each cab. The name ‘Gryphon’ is printed onto the model along with the plaque above, however etched metal versions of each are also included with every model.
| Era | Class | Running No. | Livery | Standard | SOUND FITTED | SOUND FITTED DELUXE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 31/1 | 31190 | WCRC Maroon | 35-820K | 35-820KSF | 35-820KSFX |
‘Gryphon’ is in stock and available to purchase now, priced at £199.95 for the standard model (35-820K), £309.95 for SOUND FITTED (35-820KSF) or £359.95 for SOUND FITTED DELUXE (35-820KSFX). Bachmann Collectors Club members however can enjoy 10% off these prices, with the members price for ‘Gryphon’ starting at just £179.95.
