Bachmann 32-616KSF

British Rail Class 90 90028 Sir William McAlpine DB Cargo UK Red

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.

Tooling Features

  • Construction: Plastic bodyshell with separately fitted details and a heavy diecast chassis for weight and stability.
  • 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.
  • Couplings: NEM pockets with tension-lock couplers; cosmetic buckeye and screw-link options included in detailing packs.

Mechanical & Electrical Specification

  • Motor & Drive: Five-pole, twin-shaft motor with dual flywheels driving all axles via both bogies; separate metal bearings for smooth running.
  • Weighting: Integrated diecast chassis for enhanced adhesion and haulage.
  • Lighting: Directional headlights and tail lights, day/night mode, and cab lighting (DCC only). Lighting functions are switchable on both DC and DCC.
  • Pantograph: Metal Brecknell Willis type, servo-operated for remote raising/lowering on DCC.

DCC Capability

  • DCC Ready with 21-pin socket.
  • Sound-fitted versions available using ESU LokSound V5 decoders.
  • Special Bachmann decoder (36-569) recommended for pantograph operation to avoid servo damage.

Reviews & Commentary

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.

Interesting Features

  • Factory-fitted etched nameplates on many models.
  • Day/Night lighting modes accessible via roof switches on DC layouts.
  • Highly detailed bogies and underframe with separately applied pipework.

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: 90028
  • Name: Sir William McAlpine

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: DB Cargo UK
  • Livery: Red
  • Era: 9 - Privatisation