Bachmann 50-010SFX

Bachmann's Description & Specifications

The Class 66 Diesel Locomotive revolutionised the British rail freight landscape when the first examples arrived in 1998, and more than a quarter of a century later, the type remains at the forefront of freight operations the length and breadth of the country. Now, we are delighted to present the all-new Bachmann Branchline OO Scale Class 66 which has been designed from the rails up, capturing this modern icon like never before.

The new Class 66 combines a high-fidelity, injection-moulded bodyshell with a heavy, diecast chassis to which separate main frames are fitted. A multitude of individual parts are then added, manufactured in both metal and plastic, to capture every element of the prototype. The HTCR radial bogies are reproduced in miniature using multiple components, with many separately added details, resulting in these true to life replicas which interface neatly with the locomotive’s frames for an authentic appearance and accurate ride height. The separate axle heads that each rotate smoothly and reliably when the model is moving, mimicking this characteristic feature of the prototype, is the finishing touch.

The colourful liveries of modern operators present some challenges when it comes to decorating our models, but with extensive research, close collaboration with the operators themselves and decades of experience producing beautifully finished models, we are able to replicate every detail. Paintwork is applied with a rich, uniform finish using original specification colours, which is then adorned with logos, typefaces and graphics, all reproduced authentically using multi-stage printing techniques to produce a model with the finest of looks.

Meanwhile, ‘under the bonnet’ the new Class 66 boasts a high specification that utilises the latest advancements in model railway technology. A full lighting suite includes directional lights, with day and night mode and stabling mode, along with cab lights and machine room lights, all of which can be controlled to full effect when the model is used on DCC. To fit a DCC decoder, it’s simply a case of removing the magnetic roof panel and swapping out the blanking plate for a Plux22 decoder. DCC users also benefit from the integrated Bach-Up Stay Alive System which provides uninterrupted power to prevent stalling, light flicker and, for those fitting sound to their model, sound cut-outs. Already using DCC? Then why not opt for one of our SOUND FITTED models instead and start enjoying authentic sounds, a full complement of lights and the Bach-Up Stay Alive System straight out of the box!

• Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
• Era 9
• Pristine DRS Compass (Small Logo) livery
• Running No. 66422
• Named ‘Max Joule 1958-1999’
• Etched Nameplates Included
• SOUND FITTED DELUXE – Fitted with a ESU Loksound V5DCC Sound Decoder
• Auto-Release Coupling System (Fitted at both ends)
• Length 282mm

DETAIL VARIATIONS SPECIFIC TO THIS MODEL

• ‘Low-Emission’ 5-Door Locomotive
• 2-Piece Double-Glazed, Aluminium-Framed Cab Side Windows
• Original WIPAC LED Light Clusters (2-Lamps, Mounted on Large Light Boxes)
• Large Top Light Box
• Standard UK Pattern Buffers
• Standard Drawgear
• Standard Horn Box
• NRN Radio Pod on Roof
• 4 Cab Vents
• 4 Securing Lugs at each End – Closely Spaced
• Cab Front Handrails with 7 Mounting Points
• Cab Interiors with Pedestal Control Panels
• Original Sandboxes
• Straight Sandpipe Brackets
• Perforated Bogie Lifeguards

BACHMANN BRANCHLINE CLASS 66 SPECIFICATION

MECHANISM:

• Five pole, twin shaft motor with two flywheels providing drive to both bogies
• All axle drive
• Electrical pickup from all wheels
• Separate metal bearings fitted to each axle
• Diecast metal chassis block and bogie towers
• Diecast metal gearboxes, with gearing arranged for prototypical running speeds and haulage capabilities
• 5mm (OO gauge) wheels to NEM310 & NEM311 standards with authentic profile and detailing
• Close coupling mechanism fitted at each end, each of which is fitted with coupling pockets to NEM362 standards
• 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 locomotive main frames, with numerous separately fitted parts including horn boxes, fuel tanks, battery boxes and sand boxes
• Separately applied metal detail parts, including cab-front steps, securing lugs, lifting points, lamp brackets, and cab door handrails
• Individual pipe and cable runs added to the main frames, underframe and bogies
• Bogies constructed from multiple components featuring full relief detail
• Separately fitted axle heads on each wheel which rotate smoothly and authentically when the model is moving
• Close-fitting bogie to main frame interface providing an authentic appearance and accurate ride height
• Etched roof, bodyside and horn grilles, with multi-part bodyside cooler group grilles and multi-layered internal partitions providing visibility through the full width of the locomotive
• Sprung metal buffers
• Cab interior detailing which includes the control desk, cab seats, hotplate and rear partitioning and doors, complete with extensive interior decoration
• Alternative front valances with/without coupling cut-outs – interchangeable by removing two screws and without the need for body removal
• Each model supplied with a full set of decorated, model-specific bufferbeam pipework and accessory parts

LIGHTING:

• Directional lighting, switchable on/off at either end on DCC or Analogue control
• Day/Night mode, selectable on DCC or Analogue control
• Directional lights and Day/Night Mode selection is controlled via easy-access switches on the roof when operated on Analogue control
• Stabling lights mode* (red tail lights only, displayed at both ends)
• Cab lighting*, assigned to two DCC functions for separate switching of each
• Separately switched Machine Room lighting* (*when used on DCC)
• 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 – magnetically secured
• Bach-Up Stay Alive System providing uninterrupted power to prevent stalling, light flicker and sound cut-outs (operates on DCC only)

SOUND:

• Speaker Fitted – a pre-fitted speaker is included with every model as standard
• Dual Fitted XL Speaker System – SOUND FITTED and SOUND FITTED DELUXE models feature two speakers, including our new speaker with enhanced bass reproduction – a patented component which incorporates a passive radiator design for optimum sound performance
• ESU Loksound V5DCC Sound Decoder fitted to SOUND FITTED and SOUND FITTED DELUXE versions
• Sound files produced specifically for the Bachmann Branchline Class 66 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 original specification colours
• Logos, numerals and text added as appropriate using multi-stage tampo printing using authentic typefaces, logos and colours

Class & Prototype

The British Rail Class 66, introduced in 1998, revolutionized UK freight operations with American EMD reliability. Built as the JT42CWR model with a 12-cylinder 710 engine producing 3,300 horsepower, these Co-Co diesels achieved 95% availability versus 65% for the Class 47s they replaced. Approximately 412 locomotives remain operational across DB Cargo UK, GB Railfreight, Freightliner, DRS and Colas Rail, dominating intermodal container services, aggregates, steel, biomass and infrastructure traffic. The class's 27-year production run ended in 2016 with 66779 "Evening Star" due to EU emissions regulations. No replacements are expected before the 2040s, ensuring continued prototype relevance. The Class 66 offers modellers exceptional livery diversity across all major operators, making it essential for any British layout from 1998 onwards.

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

Direct Rail Services (DRS) is Britain's premier nuclear transport and commercial rail freight operator, established in 1995 by British Nuclear Fuels Limited to handle the safe movement of nuclear materials. Now owned by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority through Nuclear Transport Solutions, DRS has evolved into one of the UK's leading freight companies whilst maintaining its core nuclear transport mission.

Operating from major depots at Carlisle Kingmoor, Crewe Gresty Bridge, and Motherwell, DRS runs a modern fleet including cutting-edge Class 68 diesels and revolutionary Class 88 bi-mode locomotives alongside heritage Class 37s and specialist Class 20/3s. The company's distinctive blue and grey livery has become synonymous with operational excellence and technical innovation.

DRS's commercial success centres on its partnership with Tesco, operating ten dedicated rail routes carrying over 12,000 containers monthly, whilst infrastructure support services include rail head treatment, snow clearance, and rescue locomotive provision. The company's commitment to environmental leadership delivers 76% fewer CO2 emissions compared to road transport, with Class 88 locomotives achieving additional efficiency gains through dual-mode electric/diesel operation.

Key Facts:

• Founded: 1995 (30 years of operation)
• Owner: Nuclear Decommissioning Authority via Nuclear Transport Solutions
• Headquarters: Carlisle Kingmoor Depot
• Fleet: Class 20/3, 37, 66/4, 68, 88 locomotives
• Specialty: Nuclear transport, intermodal freight, infrastructure support
• Major Contract: Tesco (12,000+ containers/month across 10 routes)
• Environmental Impact: 76% CO2 reduction vs road transport

The DRS Compass with Small Logo livery represents a distinctive variation of Direct Rail Services' corporate identity introduced around 2014, featuring the company's characteristic green compass symbol applied in a more modest size compared to standard applications. The livery comprises deep blue bodywork with light grey or charcoal grey roof panels, black underframes, and white "Direct Rail Services" lettering, maintaining DRS's recognisable corporate colour scheme whilst offering subtle visual distinction through the reduced compass size. This variation appeared during DRS's major fleet expansion period when the company was transitioning from heritage traction to modern locomotives, coinciding with the introduction of Class 68 diesels and expanded commercial freight contracts including Tesco services and passenger operations for Chiltern Railways and ScotRail.

The small logo version provided practical flexibility for different locomotive applications whilst preserving brand recognition across DRS's diverse fleet. For railway modellers, this livery offers authentic variation within DRS locomotive rosters, enabling accurate representation of the 2014-2021 period and adding visual diversity to layouts. Multiple manufacturers including Accurascale, Bachmann, and Hornby have produced models in various DRS compass livery variations, making this scheme readily accessible across popular scales. The Compass with Small Logo represents an intermediate stage in DRS's livery evolution, bridging the original simple DRS lettering of the 1990s with the modernised identity aligned with Nuclear Transport Solutions branding introduced in 2021.