Bachmann 31-560

Tooling

Bachmann launched its OO gauge model of the London & North Eastern Railway (LNER) Class V2 in the early 1990s, around 1992, as part of its expanding Branchline range. This tooling represented one of Bachmann’s first attempts at producing a large British steam locomotive in OO scale, aimed at enthusiasts seeking a reliable and affordable model of Gresley’s famous mixed-traffic design.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO gauge (1:76).
• Construction: Plastic bodyshell mounted on a die-cast split chassis frame.
• Detailing: Moulded handrails, basic cab detail, and simplified valve gear typical of early 1990s standards. Tender detail was largely integral to the moulding.
• Couplings: Standard tension-lock couplers permanently mounted; no NEM pockets.

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor & Drive: Split chassis design with a centrally mounted motor driving the driving wheels via coupling rods. Known for adequate pulling power but prone to wear and electrical issues over time.
• Minimum Radius: Recommended for 2nd radius curves (approx. 438 mm).
• Lighting: None provided.
• Weighting: Heavy die-cast chassis provided good traction for its era.

DCC Capability

• The original 1992 tooling was not DCC-ready. Conversion required hardwiring a decoder and insulating the split chassis, which was considered challenging for beginners.

Liveries Produced

The initial tooling was offered in several authentic schemes, including:

• LNER Apple Green (with and without lining)
• BR Lined Black (early and late crest)
• BR Green (late crest)
• Special editions such as preserved No. 4771 “Green Arrow”

Reviews & Commentary

At launch, the model was praised for its overall shape and affordability but criticized for simplified detailing and the limitations of the split chassis system. Over time, reliability issues with electrical pickup and chassis wear became common discussion points among collectors. Despite these drawbacks, the model remained popular for many years as the only readily available V2 in OO gauge.

Interesting Notes

• The split chassis design was typical of Bachmann’s early steam locomotive tooling but later became obsolete due to maintenance difficulties.
• This tooling laid the groundwork for Bachmann’s later, more advanced retooling of the V2 in the 21st century.

Class & Prototype

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

The London & North Eastern Railway emerged in 1923 as Britain's second-largest railway company, combining seven major railways including the Great Northern, North Eastern, and Great Eastern into a 6,590-mile network stretching from London's four terminals to the Scottish Highlands. Despite serving economically challenged industrial regions, the LNER achieved worldwide recognition for engineering excellence and speed records that remain unbroken today.

Under Chief Mechanical Engineers Sir Nigel Gresley, Edward Thompson, and Arthur Peppercorn, the LNER developed revolutionary locomotive designs characterised by three-cylinder layouts and streamlined aesthetics. Gresley's masterpieces included the A1 Pacifics featuring Flying Scotsman and the legendary A4 class, culminating in Mallard's world steam speed record of 126 mph in 1938.

The company pioneered luxury express services including the Silver Jubilee and Coronation streamliners, whilst investing in forward-thinking electrification schemes and massive marshalling yards. Notable achievements included operating the complete East Coast Main Line, introducing Britain's first regular 400-mile non-stop service, and commissioning Eric Gill's iconic typography that influenced railway design for decades.

Nationalised in 1948, LNER locomotives continued serving British Railways until the 1960s, with some A4 Pacifics working Scottish expresses until 1966. Today, the LNER's engineering legacy thrives through extensive preservation, new-build projects like Tornado, and comprehensive model ranges covering every major class in all popular scales, making LNER subjects essential for discerning railway modellers seeking authentic British steam-age atmosphere.