Bachmann 32-442SF

Tooling

In 2020, Bachmann Branchline unveiled a comprehensive retooling of its British Rail Class 24 diesel-electric locomotive in OO gauge (1:76 scale). This update replaced the 2008 tooling and introduced two distinct body styles: the Class 24/0 with disc headcodes and the Class 24/1 with cab roof-mounted headcode boxes. The new tooling was designed to meet modern expectations for fidelity, performance, and digital control, reflecting extensive research into prototype variations.

Tooling Features

The 2020 tooling introduced a new bodyshell with factory-fitted fine details including etched fan grilles, lamp irons, handrails, roof hatches, and filler caps. Cab interiors were fully detailed and painted, featuring crew communication doors, seating, and control panels. A comprehensive detailing pack was included, offering bufferbeam pipework, jumper cables, cosmetic screwlink couplings, and frost grilles. Sprung buffers and NEM coupling pockets were standard, with tension lock couplings pre-fitted.

Mechanical & Electrical

The model featured a centrally mounted 5-pole motor driving all eight wheels via a refined gear train. The chassis was constructed from plastic and metal, with internal weighting for improved traction. Electrical pickup was provided on all wheels, and the model operated on standard 2-rail DC. Directional lighting was standard, with independently controlled headlights, tail lights, and illuminated headcodes. The minimum radius for operation was second radius (438mm).

DCC Capability

The 2020 tooling was DCC Ready with a 21-pin socket and provision for a 20x40mm rectangular speaker. Several models were released with factory-fitted sound decoders. The internal layout supported additional lighting functions and speaker upgrades. Users commonly installed Zimo MX644 or ESU LokSound decoders, with options for SugarCube or Dumbo speakers. Cab lighting and SuperCap installations were also supported by the onboard PCB design.

Liveries Produced

Liveries released under the 2020 tooling included:

• BR Green with Late Crest
• BR Green with Small Yellow Panels
• BR Blue
• BR Research Department Red & Blue ("Experiment")

Both standard and sound-fitted versions were produced, with some custom weathered editions available through retailers and detailing services.

Reviews & Commentary

The 2020 update was widely praised for its accuracy, running quality, and digital features. Reviewers highlighted the smooth operation, realistic lighting, and sound fidelity. The model was noted for its ability to haul long rakes with ease and for its quiet motor performance. Some minor criticisms were raised regarding the seam beneath the nose on the Class 24/0 variant, but overall reception was highly positive. The model was featured in Hornby Magazine, Railway Modeller, and numerous YouTube reviews.

Media & Social Media

The model gained strong traction on social media and YouTube, with reviewers showcasing its sound functions, lighting, and haulage capabilities. Videos from Sam’s Trains and Worthington Model Railway highlighted the model’s unexpected inclusion of sound decoders in some releases and its ease of programming. RMweb discussions focused on speaker upgrades and decoder tuning, with users sharing installation guides and performance tips.

Class & Prototype

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

British Rail (1965-1997) transformed Britain's railways through revolutionary modernisation, introducing the iconic double arrow logo, Rail Blue livery, and business sectorisation. BR pioneered high-speed rail with the InterCity 125 and Advanced Passenger Train, electrified major routes, and created profitable divisions like InterCity and Network SouthEast. From steam succession through diesel and electric development to privatisation preparation, British Rail's diverse locomotive fleet, multiple livery schemes, and operational scenarios provide unparalleled variety for railway modellers across all scales and periods.

BR Blue, also known as Rail Blue or Monastral Blue, was introduced in 1965 as part of British Rail's comprehensive corporate identity overhaul that accompanied the rebranding from British Railways to British Rail. The colour was officially defined by British Standards BR28/6001 (airless spray finish) and BR28/5321 (brush finish), representing a dark, greyish blue tone specifically chosen to hide dirt and weathering effects well.

The livery was prototyped on the experimental XP64 train in 1964 before becoming the standard scheme from 1 January 1965. Rail Blue was applied to all diesel and electric locomotives with yellow warning panels (initially small, then extending to full yellow ends from 1966). The standardised application included the iconic double arrow logo and Rail Alphabet typeface, creating one of the most successful transport corporate identities of the 20th century.

The livery dominated British Rail operations for over two decades until sectorisation in the 1980s began fragmenting the unified appearance. Despite initial colour fading problems in early applications, these were resolved by the late 1970s when the Large Logo variant was introduced featuring extended yellow areas and full-height double arrow symbols. Rail Blue's enduring appeal among railway enthusiasts reflects its role as the definitive British Rail image during the organisation's most unified period.