Bachmann 32-075A

Tooling

In 2002, Bachmann Branchline introduced a completely new tooling for the Great Western Railway (GWR) 5600 Class 0-6-2T tank locomotive. This model replaced the older Mainline version from the 1980s and represented a significant leap forward in accuracy and detail. The prototype, designed by Charles Collett and built between 1924 and 1928, was a rugged South Wales workhorse, ideal for heavy coal trains and sharp curves.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO Gauge (1:76)
• Construction: Plastic bodyshell with separate detail parts; metal chassis for strength
• Detailing: Factory-fitted handrails, lamp irons, injector pipework, safety valve bonnet, smokebox door dart, water tank caps, whistle, cab glazing, and detailed cab interior
• Couplings: NEM pockets with tension-lock couplers

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor: 3-pole motor
• Drive: Direct drive to two axles
• Pickup: All wheels
• Minimum Radius: 2nd radius (approx. 438 mm)
• Lighting: None
• Weighting: Internal weighting for adhesion

DCC Capability

DCC compatible but no socket – hardwiring required. This was later addressed in the 2005 upgrade which introduced an 8-pin socket.

Liveries Produced

• GWR Green (pre-nationalisation)
• BR Green with Early Emblem (1948–1957)
• BR Black with Late Crest (1957–1968)

Reviews & Commentary

At launch, the model was praised for its accurate proportions and fine detailing, marking a major improvement over the older Mainline tooling. However, enthusiasts noted the absence of a DCC socket and basic mechanism compared to later Bachmann releases. Social media and forum discussions from the era highlight its popularity among GWR fans, though many upgraded to the 2005 version for digital compatibility.

Interesting Facts

• The 5600 Class was the only 0-6-2T design built new by GWR.
• Prototype locomotives were primarily used in South Wales coal traffic, requiring high tractive effort and strong braking.
• The Bachmann 2002 tooling set a new standard for mid-range OO steam models at the time.

Class & Prototype

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

The Great Western Railway (1835-1947) was Britain's most innovative railway company, engineered by Isambard Kingdom Brunel with his revolutionary 7ft ¼in broad gauge system. Known affectionately as "God's Wonderful Railway" and the "Holiday Line," the GWR connected London Paddington with the West Country, Wales, and Birmingham through 3,800 miles of superbly engineered routes.

Renowned for its Brunswick green locomotives, chocolate and cream carriages, and engineering excellence centred at Swindon Works, the GWR pioneered advanced steam technology under chief mechanical engineers Daniel Gooch, George Jackson Churchward, and Charles Collett. The company's legendary locomotive classes—including Castle, King, Hall, and Manor—established performance standards that influenced British locomotive design for decades.

The only "Big Four" railway to retain its original identity through the 1921 grouping, the GWR maintained its distinctive corporate culture until nationalisation in 1947. Today, the company's engineering legacy lives on through extensive preservation efforts, heritage railways, and detailed model railway recreations that celebrate the finest traditions of British steam railway operation.