Bachmann 32-993A

Bachmann's Description & Specifications

The Wickham Trolley is undoubtedly the smallest powered model that can be found in the Bachmann Branchline OO Scale range yet still, this impressive model still packs a punch with a high level of detail and a smooth drive mechanism making this a striking addition to any OO collection.

The Branchline model combines the trolley car, with its open cabin and seating for several personnel, with a trailer and it is here that the motor and mechanism is located, cleverly concealed by a ballast/spoil load. The trailer also sports a diecast metal chassis, with separate metal bearings fitted to the two axles and the gearing from the coreless motor to the driving axle is housed in a diecast metal gearbox. The driven wheelset is also fitted with traction tyres for assured running from this diminutive model. The semi-permanent coupling between the trolley and trailer allows electrical connections to be carried between the two, so that all eight wheels of the model can be equipped with pickups. With its wheels on full show, it’s easy to see that these have been replicated faithfully with the correct pattern and profile and brakes are added separately too. Meanwhile the trolley car itself has glazed windscreens with a separate windscreen wiper, headlights at the front and rear (non-functional), and a representation of the sheeting (that would have supposedly provided riders with protection from inclement weather!) rolled up and stowed along the roof edge.

• Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
• Era 7
• Pristine BR Departmental Yellow (Wasp Stripes) Livery
• Running No. DB965950 with Trailer No. DB965954 / Plant No. 68/006
• Coreless Motor
• Length 76mm

Class & Prototype

The Wickham trolley was a revolutionary railway maintenance vehicle produced by D. Wickham & Co of Ware, Hertfordshire from 1922-1990. Nearly 12,000 vehicles were built across multiple variants, making it one of the longest production runs in railway history. These compact, reliable vehicles transformed British railway maintenance from manual labour to mechanised efficiency, serving permanent way gangs for track inspection and repair work. The most successful variant was the Type 27 series, with over 600 built for British Railways between 1948-1990. Powered initially by JAP engines and later Ford automotive units, they featured innovative friction drive systems and could transport 8-10 crew members plus equipment via trailers. Many survive in preservation on heritage railways, whilst detailed scale models are available from manufacturers including Bachmann (OO gauge) and Ellis Clark Trains (O gauge). Their 68-year production span and global service from Chile to Malaysia demonstrated the enduring value of practical engineering over fashionable innovation.

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.