Bachmann 35-201SF

Tooling

In Summer 2021, Bachmann Branchline unveiled a completely new tooling for the LNER Class V2 in OO gauge, replacing the previous 2012 design. This retooling was developed to meet modern standards of accuracy, mechanical performance, and digital capability. The V2, designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, was a mixed-traffic locomotive built between 1936 and 1944, and remains a favourite among enthusiasts for its versatility and wartime service.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO gauge (1:76).
• Construction: High-fidelity injection-moulded bodyshell with a die-cast chassis block for strength and weight.
• Detailing: Separately fitted handrails, lamp irons, lubricators, and fine valve gear. Fully detailed cab interior with painted controls, seats, and glazing. Etched nameplates supplied for named locomotives.
• Couplings: NEM coupling pockets with tension-lock couplers; sprung buffers. Semi-permanent close-coupling drawbar between loco and tender with integrated electrical connections.

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor & Drive: Powerful 5-pole motor with smooth gearing for reliable performance.
• Minimum Radius: Recommended for second radius curves (approx. 438 mm).
• Lighting: Firebox glow on analogue; firebox glow and flicker effects on DCC.
• Weighting: Die-cast chassis and tender components provide good traction.

DCC Capability

• DCC Ready with a 21-pin socket located in the tender.
• Factory-fitted sound versions available using ESU Loksound V5 decoders, offering a full suite of steam sounds and synchronized firebox lighting effects.

Liveries Produced

The 2021 tooling has been released in a range of authentic schemes, including:

• LNER Lined Green (original style)
• BR Lined Black (early emblem)
• BR Green (late crest)
• Special editions such as preserved No. 4771 “Green Arrow”

Reviews & Commentary

The new V2 was widely praised for its fine detailing, realistic cab interior, and improved mechanism. Features such as the firebox glow and sound options were highlighted as standout additions. However, some reviewers and forum discussions noted issues with overscale valve gear, visible boiler seam lines, and high pricing. Despite these criticisms, the model was considered a significant improvement over previous versions and a strong competitor in the premium OO steam market.

Interesting Notes

• The tooling includes options for different smokebox doors and tender types, allowing accurate representation of LNER and BR variants.
• Close-coupling mechanism between loco and tender improves realism and electrical reliability.

Class & Prototype

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

British Railways transformed Britain's fragmented rail network into a unified national system following nationalisation on 1st January 1948. Created from the "Big Four" companies under the Transport Act 1947, BR operated most of Great Britain's railways until rebranding as British Rail in 1965, managing over 20,000 route miles and inheriting nearly 20,000 locomotives of diverse designs.

The organisation pioneered standardisation through its revolutionary BR Standard locomotive programme (1951-1960), producing 999 advanced steam engines under Robert Riddles' direction. These included the versatile Britannia Pacifics, mighty 9F freight engines, and mixed-traffic classes that incorporated the best features from all predecessor companies. The 1955 Modernisation Plan accelerated diesel and electric traction development, creating fascinating mixed-traction operations.

Notable achievements included establishing unified locomotive classification systems, introducing distinctive corporate liveries, and managing the complex transition from steam to modern traction. BR's six regional structure preserved operational diversity whilst enabling standardisation of practices, signalling, and rolling stock that had eluded private enterprise for over a century.

The BR era represents steam traction's final flowering alongside emerging diesel technology, creating unparalleled locomotive variety. Today, this heritage remains highly popular with railway enthusiasts through extensive preserved fleets, heritage railway operations, and comprehensive model ranges from manufacturers like Hornby, Bachmann, and Dapol, making BR subjects essential for authentic post-war British railway modelling across all scales.

British Railways' lined black livery was designated for mixed-traffic and secondary passenger locomotives from 1949, following pure LNWR style with black base colour and elaborate red, cream (off-white), and grey lining patterns. The lining specification comprised 5/8" grey, 1/8" cream, 1½" black, and ¼" red bands, with the layout consistent with LNWR practice including deep and shallow valances lined along bottom edges only, unlike green engines. The first lined black engines appeared in August 1948 when Hall 5954 appeared so painted, becoming one of the first to carry the "Lion and Wheel" emblem around the same time.

A wide range of engines was eligible for this livery, from powerful V2s and Counties down to tiny Southern Terriers, encompassing County, Hall, Grange, Manor, Saint, Prairie tanks, and numerous pre-grouping designs of varied shapes and sizes. This created many variations and interpretation problems due to the diverse locomotive types involved, with regional differences in splasher lining treatment—the Eastern Region used red-only splasher lining, whilst the Southern Region evolved from inset to edge lining styles. The emblem was positioned centrally on tender sides above the middle axle box, with the Western Region favouring larger sizes on tenders and bigger tank engines. An interesting period detail saw number plates routinely painted red from late 1949 to early 1952, adding colour contrast to the otherwise black scheme. This livery represented BR's commitment to standardising mixed-traffic operations whilst maintaining the decorative traditions that distinguished passenger-rated locomotives from plain freight engines.