Bachmann 31-060SF

Tooling

In 2019, Bachmann unveiled a completely retooled model of the LNER Class J72, replacing the decades-old ex-Mainline design. This new tooling was developed to meet modern standards for accuracy, performance, and digital capability. The prototype J72, originally introduced by the North Eastern Railway in 1898, served for over half a century, making it a popular subject for modellers. Bachmann’s 2019 redesign marked a significant leap forward in fidelity and functionality.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO gauge (1:76).
• Construction: Highly detailed plastic body with fine rivet and panel detail, mounted on a robust die-cast chassis.
• Detailing: Separately fitted handrails, lamp irons, sprung buffers, and a fully detailed cab interior.
• Couplings: NEM pockets with tension-lock couplers for easy replacement.

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor & Drive: Smooth-running coreless motor with flywheel, driving all axles via precision gearing.
• Minimum Radius: Compatible with standard OO curves (2nd radius and above).
• Lighting: Firebox flicker and cab lighting included on sound-fitted versions.
• Weighting: Substantial die-cast chassis for improved traction and stability.

DCC Capability

The 2019 J72 is DCC Ready with a Next18 socket. Factory-fitted sound versions are available, featuring authentic whistles, synchronized chuff, coal shovelling sounds, and controllable lighting effects.

Liveries Produced

Bachmann has released the new J72 in a wide range of historically accurate liveries, including:

• NER lined green
• LNER black (lined and plain)
• BR black (early and late crests)
• Special editions for collectors

These liveries reflect the prototype’s long service life under NER, LNER, and BR.

Performance & Reviews

The retooled J72 has been widely praised for its smooth running, fine detailing, and excellent slow-speed control, making it ideal for shunting layouts. Reviewers highlight its quiet mechanism, robust build, and ease of DCC installation. Compared to the original tooling, the new model is considered a “quantum leap” in quality.

Media & Community Commentary

Model railway forums and social media posts often describe the retooled J72 as “a benchmark for small tank engines.” Video reviews showcase its realistic motion and sound features, reinforcing its reputation as one of Bachmann’s finest small steam locomotives.

Interesting Facts

• The retooled J72 was part of Bachmann’s strategy to modernize its range with full DCC compatibility and advanced detailing.
• Sound-fitted versions include features such as synchronized chuff, firebox flicker, and cab light control.

Video Reviews

• Sam’s Trains Review – In-depth unboxing and review, performance tests, and comparison with older tooling
• Hornby Magazine Test Track – Overview of the new tooling and running performance on a realistic layout
• That Model Railway Guy – Close-up look at the NER lined green version and layout running
• Collett’s Models Review – Unboxing and first impressions of the new J72 tooling

Bachmann's Description & Specifications

OO scale models of the LNER J72 Class locomotive have long been a cornerstone of the Bachmann Branchline range, indeed J72s featured in the very first Branchline catalogue, and so we are delighted to present this all-new model of the Class as part of the current Bachmann Branchline range.

Designed from the rails up, the J72 has been modelled with a level of detail not previously seen including representation of the inside valve gear which can be seen beneath the boiler, sprung buffers and a cab interior which is fully detailed with intricate decoration. An accessory pack is supplied which includes headlamps that clip onto the locomotive’s lamp irons, plus three-link couplings and etched cab doors.

Enhancing the cab detail, the model features realistic firebox lighting which can be enjoyed when the model is used on analogue control and also DCC once a decoder has been fitted. For even more realism, choose the SOUND FITTED version and enjoy authentic sound effects on DCC and analogue control too!

MODEL FEATURES:

• Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
• Era 3
• Pristine LNER Lined Black livery
• Running No. 2313
• Accessory Pack including posable headlamps
• NEM Coupling Pockets
• Sprung Buffers
• Powerful Coreless Motor
• Realistic Firebox Lighting fitted
• Detailed and decorated cab interior
• SOUND FITTED – Fitted with a ESU Loksound Micro V5DCC Sound Decoder
• Length 115mm

Class & Prototype

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.

The LNER lined black livery represented the company's commitment to aesthetic excellence across all locomotive types during the early period of its existence. Introduced from 1923, this elegant scheme adorned freight engines and secondary passenger locomotives with distinctive red lining that transformed utilitarian workhorses into smart, professionally finished machines. The red lines were carefully applied to running plates, boiler bands, and cab panels, following the locomotive's mechanical contours and emphasising engineering features whilst maintaining the practical benefits of a dark base colour for heavy-duty operations.

Distinctive features of this livery included yellow lettering and numbering with red shading (contrasting with the gold used on prestigious green passenger locomotives), and "L N E R" applied in full to tenders. The lined black scheme demonstrated the LNER's philosophy that even freight locomotives deserved visual dignity and corporate identity. However, economic pressures forced changes to this refined approach: red lining was removed from goods engines as an economy measure in 1928, though secondary passenger locomotives retained their lined finish until 1941. For model railway enthusiasts, this livery perfectly captures the LNER's early optimism and attention to detail, making it ideal for depicting 1920s freight operations, mixed-traffic locomotives, and the period when the newly-formed company took pride in presenting a cohesive, quality image across its entire 6,300-locomotive fleet.