Bachmann 31-166NRM

Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Class 5 1008 Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Lined Black

Contents

Tooling

In 2013, Bachmann Branchline unveiled its OO gauge model of the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Class 5 2-4-2T Radial Tank, designed by J.A.F. Aspinall. This class was a mainstay of suburban and branch passenger services from 1889 onwards, with over 300 locomotives built at Horwich Works. The prototype is notable for being the only British standard-gauge 2-4-2 tank engine preserved—No. 1008, now at the National Railway Museum. Bachmann’s release filled a significant gap in pre-grouping and LMS-era modelling, offering enthusiasts an accurate representation of this iconic radial tank.

Tooling Features

  • Scale: OO gauge (1:76)
  • Construction: Plastic bodyshell with metal chassis for strength and weight
  • Detailing: Separately fitted handrails, lamp irons, coal rails, brass safety valves, smokebox door dart, whistle, bufferbeam detailing, fully detailed cab interior with painted gauges and glazing, pre-fitted pipework, brake rigging, and fluted connecting rods with chemically blackened finish
  • Couplings: NEM pockets with tension-lock couplers

Mechanical & Electrical

  • Motor: 3-pole motor located in the locomotive body
  • Drive: Loco-driven wheels with pickups on all axles for smooth running
  • Minimum Radius: Second radius (approx. 450 mm)
  • Weighting: Built into the boiler for improved adhesion
  • Lighting: None provided

DCC Capability

DCC Ready with a 6-pin socket located in the bunker. Decoder installation requires removal of the blanking plate. No factory sound provision, but aftermarket sound fitting is possible.

Liveries Produced

The tooling has supported a wide range of liveries across multiple eras:

  • L&YR lined black (including NRM Special Edition of No. 1008)
  • LMS black and LMS crimson lake (1923–1947)
  • BR black with early emblem and British Railways lettering (1948–1957)

Weathered and DCC-fitted variants have also been offered.

Reviews & Commentary

The model has received strong praise for its fine detailing, cab interior finish, and smooth running:

Social media and forums note its appeal to pre-grouping modellers and versatility for LMS and BR layouts.

Interesting Facts

  • The prototype featured a water scoop system—unusual for a tank engine—allowing water pickup from troughs without stopping.
  • Bachmann’s choice of No. 1008 for the NRM edition reflects its historical significance as the first Horwich-built locomotive and sole survivor of the class.

Class & Prototype

The Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Class 5 comprises John Aspinall's innovative 2-4-2T radial tank locomotives built at Horwich Works between 1889-1911. Three hundred and thirty examples dominated L&Y suburban services, working 70% of all passenger mileage by 1912 across Lancashire and Yorkshire's intensive industrial railway network. Featuring Webb's distinctive radial trailing truck and Joy valve gear, these locomotives served for 72 years through L&Y, LMS, and BR eras until final withdrawal in October 1961. Only No. 1008—the first locomotive built at Horwich Works in February 1889—survives at the National Railway Museum, now on loan to Bury Transport Museum. Bachmann's 2013 OO gauge models (now discontinued, available second-hand £76-£120+) offered ten variants across L&Y lined black, LMS black/crimson, and BR lined black liveries with exceptional detail including visible radial truck and Joy valve gear.

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery