Bachmann 32-250

Tooling

Bachmann Branchline introduced its OO gauge model of the War Department Austerity 2-8-0 in 1996. This model represented one of the most prolific wartime freight locomotives, originally designed by R.A. Riddles for the Ministry of Supply during World War II. The tooling was developed to capture the rugged and utilitarian nature of the prototype, which was based on the LMS 8F but simplified for wartime production.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO gauge (1:76)
• Construction: Plastic body with separately fitted details; die-cast chassis
• Detailing: Includes handrails, valve gear, piping, and removable coal load; some versions featured additional region-specific details such as Westinghouse brake gear and window shutters
• Couplings: NEM pockets with Bachmann tension-lock or EZ-mate knuckle couplers depending on release

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor: Five-pole skew-wound motor (CAN motor)
• Drive: All-wheel drive via central motor and gear tower
• Minimum Radius: Suitable for second radius curves (approx. 438mm)
• Lighting: Some versions included directional lighting; tender lighting on select models
• Weighting: Moderate weight for good traction; tender free-floating with drawbar connection

DCC Capability

The original tooling was DCC compatible but not DCC ready. No decoder socket was provided, requiring hard-wiring for digital conversion. Space inside the body was limited, and installation required removal of the factory PCB and careful placement of the decoder above the motor.

Liveries Produced

Numerous liveries were released using this tooling, including:

• War Department Khaki and Green
• Longmoor Military Railway Blue
• LNER Black
• BR Black (early and late crests)
• Nederlandse Spoorwegen Green
• Kowloon Canton Railway Green (Limited Edition)

Reviews

Contemporary reviews praised the model's pulling power, smooth running, and overall detailing, though some noted fragility in separately fitted parts and challenges with DCC conversion. The model was considered a strong performer for freight operations and well-suited to layouts depicting post-war or military themes.

Media & Commentary

The model has featured in various YouTube running sessions and enthusiast blogs. The KCR version, released around 2000, received particular attention for its unique packaging and commemorative nature. Social media commentary often highlights the model's historical significance and its role in representing wartime logistics on model railways.

Additional Notes

• Packaging for limited editions included wooden presentation boxes and certificates
• Some models included user-fit accessories such as brake rigging
• Despite its age, the tooling remained popular until its retooling in 2012

Class & Prototype

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

The Longmoor Military Railway (LMR) was Britain's military railway training facility, operating from 1903-1969 in Hampshire. Built by the Royal Engineers, it trained soldiers in railway construction and operations for global deployment. The railway featured over 1,000 locomotives during its existence, including famous War Department Austerity designs in distinctive royal blue livery with red lining. Originally known as the Woolmer Instructional Military Railway, it was renamed LMR in 1935. The 8-mile system connected Bordon to Liss with a circular training loop, serving as a filming location for movies like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Bhowani Junction. Many locomotives survive in preservation, making LMR a popular subject for railway modellers across all scales.

The distinctive LMR blue livery was the standard paint scheme used on Longmoor Military Railway locomotives from the post-World War II period until closure in 1969. The scheme consisted of royal blue as the base colour, enhanced with red lining applied to frame components, coupling rods, and wheel tyres. Yellow lettering was prominently displayed on cab sides and tank sides, featuring "LMR" initials alongside locomotive numbers in standardised military fonts.

Contemporary accounts describe the livery as "royal blue lined red, with red rods and yellow lettering," creating a smart military appearance that distinguished LMR locomotives from civilian railway stock. Some sources also refer to it as "Oxford Blue" when describing rolling stock applications. The scheme maintained military standards of appearance whilst providing high visibility for safety purposes during training operations.

Variations existed within the standard scheme—some locomotives featured red frames and under foot plating with blue wheels, whilst others retained black frames with blue bodywork. Special occasions, such as locomotive naming ceremonies, included additional white wheel treatments. The livery was also applied to coaching stock and rolling stock, creating a cohesive visual identity across the entire railway.

For modellers, Precision Paints P16 (Royal Blue) provides accurate colour matching, with careful application of red lining and yellow lettering essential for authentic representation. The distinctive scheme remains popular among military railway enthusiasts and is featured on various ready-to-run and kit models across multiple scales.