Product Highlight: N Scale Class 90s
Bachmann are holding a Winter Sale until the end of the year, during which you’ll be able to find price reductions of up to 50% on selected lines from across many of Bachmann’s ranges at participating Bachmann retailers. Included in the Winter Sale are some of the N Scale models of the Class 90 electric locomotive from Graham Farish, so this is the perfect chance to learn more about these models.
These Class 90 electric locomotives are highly detailed replicas, featuring accurately modelled bodyshells onto which the vibrant liveries are faithfully applied, using authentic typefaces, logos and colours. On the roof a full complement has been fitted, including the pantograph that is finely-rendered and is posable in the up or down positions, and the attention to detail has been extended to the cab interiors where the interior detail is illuminated by the cab lighting (when used on DCC).
Moving below the bodysides and the underframe equipment, such as the battery boxes and auxiliary components, is fitted separately and decorated accordingly. Each model is equipped with the correct combination of buffer types, coupling equipment and battery boxes to suit the prototype, whilst the bogies are constructed from multiple components and feature full relief detail. These models also all share the follow features:
- Coreless, 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 NEM355 standards
- Next18 DCC decoder interface – recommended Decoder Item No. 36-567A
- Directional lighting, switchable on/off at either end on DCC or Analogue control
- Each model supplied with a full set of model-specific bufferbeam pipework and accessory parts
SOUND FITTED versions of some models are also available. These versions feature an ESU Loksound V5 DCC Sound Decoder that has been programmed using an exclusive sound sound project that provides more than 20 sound and light effects.
The SOUND FITTED models may also be used on most Analogue (DC) layouts, where they will play many automated drive sounds when power is applied. Directional lights will also illuminate when power is applied.
The Class 90 electric locomotives were constructed during the mid-1980s and were intended to replace older electric locomotives in use on the West Coast Main Line. The internal components were heavily based on the earlier Class 87, although they have differently shaped bodies which share little resemblance to the older locomotives. Fifty locomotives were built, of which fifteen were allocated to InterCity services, five for mail and parcels traffic and the remaining for freight traffic. Several locomotives were reclassified as Class 90/1 after their Electric Train Heating and push-pull equipment was isolated in order for them to be used as dedicated freight locomotives. Many of the locomotives are still in service today.
Class 90/0 90006 ‘High Sheriff’ BR InterCity (Swallow)
Our first Class 90/0 is No. 90006, which has been named ‘High Sheriff’ and is decorated in British Railways’ InterCity Swallow livery. This locomotive features the original ‘clipped’ buffers, buckeye couplings and a large battery charger. The battery boxes and switch have smooth sides with sliding access.
| Era | Class | Running No. | Name | Standard | SOUND FITTED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 90/0 | 90006 | ‘High Sheriff’ | 371-780A | 371-780ASF |
Class 90/1 90139 BR Railfreight Distribution Sector
Our next locomotive is Class 90/1 No. 90139 in BR Railfreight Distribution Sector livery. This locomotive features the original ‘clipped’ buffers, screwlink couplings, and a small battery charger. The battery boxes and switch have hinged access panels that are ribbed.
| Era | Class | Running No. | Name | Standard | SOUND FITTED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 90/1 | 90139 | – | 371-781A | 371-781ASF |
Class 90/0 90017 ‘Rail Express Systems Quality Assured’ Rail Express Systems
The next Class 90/0 is No. 90017, which is named ‘Rail Express Systems Quality Assured’ and is decorated in Rail Express Systems livery. This locomotive features ‘clipped’ buffers at the pantograph end and round buffers at the non-pantograph end, along with buckeye couplings and a small battery charger. The battery boxes and switch have smooth sides with a sliding access.
| Era | Class | Running No. | Name | Standard | SOUND FITTED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 90/0 | 90017 | ‘Rail Express Systems Quality Assured’ | 371-782A | 371-782ASF |
Class 90/0 90019 ‘Penny Black’ Rail Express Systems
The fourth locomotive is Class 90/0 No. 90019, which is decorated in Rail Express Systems livery and has been given the name ‘Penny Black’. This locomotive has the original ‘clipped’ buffers, buckeye couplings, and a small battery charger along with battery boxes and switch that have smooth sides with a sliding access.
| Era | Class | Running No. | Name | Standard | SOUND FITTED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 90/0 | 90019 | ‘Penny Black’ | – | 371-782SF |
Class 90/0 90002 ‘Mission: Impossible’ and 90004 ‘City of Glasgow’ Virgin Trains (Original)
Our next Class 90/0 is No. 90002, which is named ‘Mission Impossible’, and No. 90004, which has been given the name ‘City of Glasgow’. Both are decorated in the original Virgin Trains livery and feature ‘clipped’ buffers, buckeye couplings, large battery chargers and have battery boxes and switches with smooth sides and sliding access.
| Era | Class | Running No. | Name | Standard | SOUND FITTED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 90/0 | 90004 | ‘City of Glasgow’ | 371-783 | 371-783SF |
| 9 | 90/0 | 90002 | ‘Mission: Impossible’ | 371-783A | 371-783ASF |
Class 90/0 90048 Freightliner G&W
The penultimate Class 90/0 is No. 90048 in Freightliner G&W livery. This locomotive features rectangular freight buffers, screwlink couplings, and large battery charger. The battery boxes and switch have ribbed access panels on a hinge.
| Era | Class | Running No. | Name | Standard | SOUND FITTED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 90/0 | 90048 | – | – | 371-785ASF |
Class 90/0 90042 Freightliner ‘PowerHaul’
The final Class 90/0 is No. 90042, which is decorated in Freightliner ‘PowerHaul’ livery. This locomotive features rectangular freight buffers, screwlink couplings, and large battery charger whilst the battery boxes and switch have hinged access panels with ribs.
These Class 90 models are available from Bachmann stockists and are amongst the many lines that have been selected for the Winter Sale that is currently being held at participating retailers, 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 using the button below, so why not start shopping straight away!
