Bachmann 35-915SF

Tooling

Announced in 2024, Bachmann’s all-new OO-scale Class 08 and Class 09 shunter tooling represents the most significant upgrade to this iconic diesel shunter in the company’s history. Built entirely from the rails up—without reliance on previous castings—this tooling was unveiled at the Diesel & Electric Modellers United (DEMU) Showcase in June 2024, and officially released throughout 2025. It reflects Bachmann’s commitment to modern model engineering standards, prototypical accuracy, and seamless DCC integration.

Tooling Features

• Scale & Construction: OO scale (1:76.2) injection-moulded bodyshell, accompanied by a robust die-cast chassis and weight for structural strength.
• Detailing: Crisp, prototype-correct mouldings with separately applied metal grabhandles, etched radiator ladders, lamp brackets, buffer variants (LMS or Oleo), compressor boxes, varied roof vents, horns, and cab-door styles—all configurable to reflect real-life variants.
• Couplings: Standard NEM coupling pockets fitted with tension-lock couplers; Deluxe sound-fitted versions include Bachmann’s new Auto-Release coupler system for hands-free uncoupling.

Mechanical & Electrical Performance

• Drivetrain: Five-pole motor with sizeable flywheel, transmitting power to all wheels through precision gears, delivering smooth low-speed control and impressive hauling power during shunting.
• Chassis: Sprung centre axle enhances track contact; all-wheel pickup with full-metal bearings ensures reliable electrical conduction.
• Minimum Radius: Capable of navigating standard OO tight radii, faithfully reproducing prototype shunting movements.
• Weighting: Die-cast base provides excellent traction and running stability.
• Lighting: State-of-the-art lighting includes up to six switchable head/tail lights per end, plus cab illumination and authentic shunting lamp fittings; designed to operate on both analogue and DCC layouts.

DCC & Sound Capability

• Factory-equipped PluX22 decoder socket located under a lift-off roof section for straightforward DCC installation.
• Sound-fitted variants: Feature ZIMO MS450P22 decoders, integrated speaker, and Bachmann’s Bach-Up “stay-alive” circuitry for glitch-free running on imperfect track power.
• Deluxe sound-fitted versions: Add the Auto-Release coupler system—allowing operational automation for uncoupling wagons and stock.

Liveries Produced (2025 Releases)

• BR Green with Wasp Stripes
• BR Blue with Yellow Ends
• Railfreight Red Stripe and Sector liveries
• Provincial and departmental versions
• Various preserved and heritage liveries as part of extended runs

Reception and Reviews

Critics and enthusiasts have lauded the tooling as a “milestone” in Bachmann’s portfolio. Model Rail’s August 2025 feature described its debut as marking a new era in shunter modelling, citing the crisp detailing, lighting sophistication, and Auto-Release magnetic coupling system as standout innovations. The tooling was praised for delivering both impressive aesthetic realism and operational fidelity.

Media & Social Commentary

• YouTube Unboxings: Channels like Dean Park Model Railway, Jennifer E. Kirk, and Lakeside Parkway highlighted the new chassis design, lighting functions, and DCC-ready layout, comparing it favourably against both earlier Bachmann models and competitors such as Hornby.
• Forums (RMweb, Rails of Sheffield): Discussions centred on build quality, toolset flexibility, home-run improvements in DCC integration, and user appreciation for design adaptability and part interchangeability.
• Critical Perspectives: While mostly enthusiastic, some voices noted its significantly lighter chassis and questioned if analogue users would find the upgrade essential—but universal agreement remains around its superior feature set and digital integration.

Interesting Insights

• The tooling suite’s modular design enables Bachmann to offer a broad spectrum of prototype details without retooling the entire body—a cost-efficient approach that supports accurate modelling of many individual locomotives.
• The integration of stay-alive circuitry and Auto-Release couplings shows a strong orientation towards performance and usability in modern model operation contexts.
• This tooling upgrade paved the way for the first-ever ready-to-run OO scale Class 13 models, expanding Bachmann’s diesel shunter range in late 2025.

Bachmann's Description & Specifications

The Class 08 Diesel Shunter was BR’s most numerous diesel locomotive type (totalling more than 1,000 examples alongside its Class 09 and Class 10 counterparts) and models of this icon have long been a staple of the Bachmann Branchline range. However, this brand-new 08 owes nothing to its predecessors and finally brings the story of the humble diesel shunter right up to date with this most accurate of OO scale renditions.

Constructed from high fidelity mouldings, the new Branchline model employs a wealth of separately fitted details, including various metal components, and offers countless combinations of details and variations to allow individual locomotives to be modelled accurately at a chosen time in history. This external beauty is brought to life by the exquisite livery application which uses true-to-prototype colours, fonts and logos – extending beyond the exterior to the cab interior which itself is highly detailed and decorated accordingly.

Meanwhile, ‘under the bonnet’ the model boasts a high specification that utilises the latest advancements in model railway technology. For the first time a full suite of lighting, including up to 13 separate lights, is fitted and can be enjoyed by both analogue and DCC users – whilst the new shunter is the first model to employ Bachmann’s Bach-Up stay alive system, providing DCC users with a reserve power supply for uninterrupted running even on dirty or uneven track. There’s no better locomotive than the Class 08/09 to feature Bachmann Auto-Release Coupling System, providing handsfree DCC uncoupling at the press of a button – making this a true shunter in miniature – so be sure to opt for one of our SOUND FITTED DELUXE versions for your own authentic shunting experience.

• Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
• Era 9
• Pristine BR Blue (Retro) livery
• Running No. 08617
• Named ‘Steve Purser’
• Etched Nameplates Included
• SOUND FITTED- Fitted with a Zimo MS450P22 DCC Sound Decoder
• Length 122mm

DETAIL VARIATIONS SPECIFIC TO THIS MODEL

• Angle Section Main Frames
• Concealed Bodyside Door Hinges
• Radiator Ladders Removed
• Wooden Cab Door
• OLEO Buffers
• Vacuum Brakes Only
• 2 Front Marker Lights (with rounded bottom housings)
• 2 Front Lamp Irons (middle pair removed)
• 2 Rear Marker Lights (with rounded bottom housings)
• 2 Rear Lamp Irons (middle pair removed)
• Standard Cab Panel (without Stiffening Ribs)
• Whistle
• Cab Roof Vent
• Equipment Boxes (RHS) with Raised Doors and Recessed Latches
• Air Compressor Cabinet (LHS)

MECHANISM:

• Five pole motor with flywheel providing drive to the rear axle
• Sprung centre axle to aid running over uneven track
• Electrical pickup from all wheels
• Separate metal bearings fitted to each axle
• Diecast metal chassis block incorporating the gearbox, with gearing arranged for prototypical running speeds and haulage capabilities
• 5mm (OO gauge) wheels to NEM310 & NEM311 standards with authentic profile and detailing
• Detachable coupling pockets to NEM362 standards fitted at both ends
• Auto-Release Couplings fitted at both ends – DCC operated, hands-free uncoupling with the press of a function button (SOUND FITTED DELUXE models only)
• Designed to operate on curves of second radius (438mm) or greater

DETAILING:

• Precision moulded bodyshell and frames/running board with numerous separately fitted parts including ladders, footsteps, bonnet grilles and lamp irons
• Separately applied metal detail parts, including sand boxes and sand pipes, grab handles, windscreen wipers, light conduits and lifting points
• Authentic outside-framed running gear
• Frames constructed from multiple components, including separate springs and brake gear allowing full relief detailing
• Sprung metal buffers
• Cab interior detailing which includes the control desk, instruments & dials, equipment cabinets and handbrake, all with era-specific decoration
• Each model supplied with a full set of decorated, model-specific bufferbeam pipework and accessory parts including screw-link couplings (cosmetic)

LIGHTING:

• Fully operational front and rear lights with two, four or six lights dependent on the prototype being modelled
• Eight microswitches (easily accessed via the removable, clip-on roof panel) allowing user-configuration of the front and rear lights when operated on DCC or Analogue control
• Shunting lights (one red and one white light at each end) operated via a dedicated function on DCC, or using an easy access microswitch on Analogue control
• Cab light operated via a dedicated function on DCC, or using an easy access microswitch on Analogue control
• Front and rear lights can be turned on/off independently via two dedicated functions on DCC, or using two easy access microswitches on Analogue control
• Authentic light colours and temperatures selected for each model based on era and application

DCC:

• Plux22 DCC decoder interface
• Easy-access DCC decoder socket via a removable roof panel – secured by clips for ensured fit and alignment
• Bach-Up Stay Alive System providing uninterrupted power to prevent stalling, light flicker and sound cut-outs (operates on DCC only)

SOUND:

• A quality speaker employed for optimum sound reproduction, fitted to every model as standard
• Zimo MS450P22 DCC Sound Decoder fitted to SOUND FITTED and SOUND FITTED DELUXE versions
• Sound files produced specifically for the Bachmann Branchline Class 08 using recordings from real locomotives
• SOUND FITTED and SOUND FITTED DELUXE models operate on DCC and Analogue control as supplied. On Analogue, an authentic engine start up sequence and running sounds are produced when power is applied

LIVERY APPLICATION:

• Authentic liveries applied to all models
• Multiple paint applications employed on each model using BR and corporate specification colours
• Logos, numerals and text added as appropriate using multi-stage tampo printing using authentic typefaces, logos and colours
• In addition, where applicable Etched Nameplates are also provided

Class & Prototype

The British Rail Class 08 diesel-electric shunter represents Britain's most numerous locomotive class with 996 built 1952-1962. Powered by the reliable English Electric 6KT diesel engine producing 350-400hp, these 0-6-0 yard locomotives continue working after seven decades, with 100-170 still in active service alongside 87 preserved examples. The Class 08's universal deployment across freight yards, passenger stations, and industrial sidings from 1953 to present makes it the most versatile British diesel for model railway layouts.

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

British Rail (1965-1997) transformed Britain's railways through revolutionary modernisation, introducing the iconic double arrow logo, Rail Blue livery, and business sectorisation. BR pioneered high-speed rail with the InterCity 125 and Advanced Passenger Train, electrified major routes, and created profitable divisions like InterCity and Network SouthEast. From steam succession through diesel and electric development to privatisation preparation, British Rail's diverse locomotive fleet, multiple livery schemes, and operational scenarios provide unparalleled variety for railway modellers across all scales and periods.

BR Blue, also known as Rail Blue or Monastral Blue, was introduced in 1965 as part of British Rail's comprehensive corporate identity overhaul that accompanied the rebranding from British Railways to British Rail. The colour was officially defined by British Standards BR28/6001 (airless spray finish) and BR28/5321 (brush finish), representing a dark, greyish blue tone specifically chosen to hide dirt and weathering effects well.

The livery was prototyped on the experimental XP64 train in 1964 before becoming the standard scheme from 1 January 1965. Rail Blue was applied to all diesel and electric locomotives with yellow warning panels (initially small, then extending to full yellow ends from 1966). The standardised application included the iconic double arrow logo and Rail Alphabet typeface, creating one of the most successful transport corporate identities of the 20th century.

The livery dominated British Rail operations for over two decades until sectorisation in the 1980s began fragmenting the unified appearance. Despite initial colour fading problems in early applications, these were resolved by the late 1970s when the Large Logo variant was introduced featuring extended yellow areas and full-height double arrow symbols. Rail Blue's enduring appeal among railway enthusiasts reflects its role as the definitive British Rail image during the organisation's most unified period.