Bachmann 31-952

Tooling

The Bachmann Branchline A4 tooling introduced in 1995 marked the company’s entry into high-speed LNER Pacifics using designs inherited from Trix. At the time, this model filled a gap in the OO gauge market for streamlined Gresley A4 locomotives, competing with Hornby’s tender-drive offerings. While later superseded by a full retool in 2011, the 1995 version remained in production for over a decade and was widely regarded as a solid mid-range model for its era.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO gauge (1:76).
• Construction: Die-cast split chassis with plastic body shell; tender and locomotive bodies featured separately applied details for their time.
• Detailing: Streamlined casing with moulded handrails, separately fitted nameplates on later releases, and optional detail packs (brake rigging, crew figures).
• Couplings: Standard tension-lock couplers; accessory packs included cosmetic screw-link couplings for display.

Mechanical & Electrical

• Drive: Motor located in the locomotive (not tender-drive), driving the main driving wheels via a gear train.
• Chassis: Split-frame design, typical of Bachmann steam models of the 1990s.
• Minimum Radius: Recommended second radius curves (approx. 438 mm).
• Lighting: No factory lighting provided.
• Weighting: Substantial die-cast chassis gave good traction compared to contemporary tender-drive models.

DCC Capability

The 1995 tooling was not DCC-ready. Conversion was possible but required hard-wiring due to the split chassis design. Later service sheets indicate space for an 8-pin socket in upgraded versions, but original releases were DC only.

Liveries Produced

A wide range of authentic liveries were offered, including:

• LNER Garter Blue (with and without valances)
• LNER Silver Grey (“Silver Jubilee”)
• LNER Wartime Black
• LNER Grey
• BR Express Passenger Blue
• BR Green (early and late crests)

Special editions featured named locomotives such as Mallard, Silver Link, Commonwealth of Australia, and Union of South Africa.

Performance & Reviews

Contemporary reviews praised the model’s weight and smooth running once properly serviced, but noted limitations:

• Split chassis design made maintenance and DCC conversion challenging.
• Detailing considered good for mid-1990s but dated compared to later super-detailed models.
• Some users reported gear wear and electrical contact issues over time.

Despite these drawbacks, the model was popular for train packs such as The Elizabethan and remained a staple on layouts until the 2011 retool.

Media & Community Commentary

The tooling is frequently discussed on forums and YouTube reviews, often compared to Hornby’s A4. Enthusiasts highlight its nostalgic appeal and robustness, while acknowledging that modern standards have surpassed it. Videos such as Sam’s Trains unboxing of Silver Link and Golden Eagle showcase the model’s finish and running qualities.

Interesting Notes

• The tooling originated from Trix designs, adapted by Bachmann for UK OO gauge.
• Models were often supplied with accessory packs for enhanced realism.
• Collectors value limited editions like the Silver Jubilee liveries for rarity and presentation.

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.