Bachmann 32-995

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 4
• Trolley is now Preserved
• Pristine LMR Blue Livery
• Running No. WD9033
• 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

The Longmoor Military Railway (LMR) was Britain's military railway training facility, operating from 1903-1969 in Hampshire. Built by the Royal Engineers, it trained soldiers in railway construction and operations for global deployment. The railway featured over 1,000 locomotives during its existence, including famous War Department Austerity designs in distinctive royal blue livery with red lining. Originally known as the Woolmer Instructional Military Railway, it was renamed LMR in 1935. The 8-mile system connected Bordon to Liss with a circular training loop, serving as a filming location for movies like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Bhowani Junction. Many locomotives survive in preservation, making LMR a popular subject for railway modellers across all scales.

The distinctive LMR blue livery was the standard paint scheme used on Longmoor Military Railway locomotives from the post-World War II period until closure in 1969. The scheme consisted of royal blue as the base colour, enhanced with red lining applied to frame components, coupling rods, and wheel tyres. Yellow lettering was prominently displayed on cab sides and tank sides, featuring "LMR" initials alongside locomotive numbers in standardised military fonts.

Contemporary accounts describe the livery as "royal blue lined red, with red rods and yellow lettering," creating a smart military appearance that distinguished LMR locomotives from civilian railway stock. Some sources also refer to it as "Oxford Blue" when describing rolling stock applications. The scheme maintained military standards of appearance whilst providing high visibility for safety purposes during training operations.

Variations existed within the standard scheme—some locomotives featured red frames and under foot plating with blue wheels, whilst others retained black frames with blue bodywork. Special occasions, such as locomotive naming ceremonies, included additional white wheel treatments. The livery was also applied to coaching stock and rolling stock, creating a cohesive visual identity across the entire railway.

For modellers, Precision Paints P16 (Royal Blue) provides accurate colour matching, with careful application of red lining and yellow lettering essential for authentic representation. The distinctive scheme remains popular among military railway enthusiasts and is featured on various ready-to-run and kit models across multiple scales.