Bachmann 31-063SF

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 2
• Pristine NER Lined Green livery
• Running No. 2173
• 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 North Eastern Railway dominated Britain's industrial north-east, operating the country's most profitable coal-carrying network across Yorkshire, Durham and Northumberland. Formed in 1854 from four constituent companies, the NER achieved a near-monopoly over regional rail traffic, handling over 50 million tons of minerals annually at its peak.

The railway pioneered British electrification with the 1904 Tyneside suburban scheme and experimental freight lines. Under chief mechanical engineers Wilson Worsdell and Vincent Raven, the NER developed distinctive locomotive designs including successful Atlantic express engines, innovative three-cylinder mixed-traffic locomotives, and robust freight classes that served until the end of steam in 1967.

Notable achievements included building the world's largest station at York (1877), completing the East Coast Main Line, and operating extensive dock facilities. The company's engineering excellence earned recognition during World War I when Vincent Raven supervised munitions production at Woolwich Arsenal.

The NER merged into the London and North Eastern Railway in 1923, but its locomotive designs continued in production well into the British Railways era. Today, the railway's legacy lives on through preserved locomotives, heritage railways, and comprehensive model ranges available in all popular scales, making NER subjects ideal for authentic British railway modelling.