Bachmann 32-620SF

British Rail Class 90 90048 Freightliner Two-Tone Grey

Contents

Tooling

Announced in 2019, Bachmann’s all-new tooling for the British Rail Class 90 in OO gauge marked a significant upgrade over previous models. The Class 90 is a 25kV AC electric locomotive introduced in 1988 for West Coast Main Line services, later operating across the East Coast and Great Eastern routes. Bachmann’s release aimed to deliver a premium, highly detailed representation of this iconic Bo-Bo locomotive for modern layouts.

The Bachmann Class 90 has been widely praised for its accuracy, fine detailing, and smooth performance. Reviewers highlight the near-silent running, excellent slow-speed control, and impressive haulage capability. The servo-operated pantograph and lighting functions add realism, though users note the importance of using the correct decoder for pantograph operation. Social media and forums generally regard this tooling as a benchmark for modern British electric models, often preferred over older Hornby offerings.

Detailing: Etched grilles, lamp irons, sprung buffers, Brecknell Willis high-speed pantograph, full-depth cab interior with painted details, and pre-fitted nameplates on many models. Cosmetic buckeye and screw-link options included in detailing packs.

This tooling represents Bachmann’s commitment to high-fidelity modelling, combining robust engineering with exceptional detail for collectors and operators alike.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: 90048

The British Rail Class 90 electric locomotive, built 1987-1990 at BREL Crewe, delivered 5,000 hp from 25kV AC overhead supply through sophisticated thyristor control. Fifty locomotives served BR InterCity, Virgin Trains, Greater Anglia, and freight operators across 37 years. Pioneer of Time-Division Multiplexing push-pull operations, the class worked West Coast and East Coast main lines at 110 mph with Mark 3 coaching stock. Over 35 liveries span InterCity Swallow through privatisation operators to contemporary Freightliner freight. Bachmann's 2019 OO gauge tooling features world-first servo-operated pantograph; Graham Farish offers excellent N gauge versions. Approximately 30 remain operational.

Operator & Livery

  • Operator: Freightliner
  • Livery: Two-Tone Grey
  • Era: 9 - Privatisation