Bachmann 31-117DC

Tooling

In 2008, Bachmann Branchline introduced a completely retooled version of the BR Standard Class 4 4-6-0 in OO gauge, replacing the earlier ex-Mainline split-chassis design. This upgrade reflected Bachmann’s commitment to modern standards of accuracy, reliability, and digital compatibility. The new tooling featured an all-new body and chassis, significantly improving detail and mechanical performance while making the model DCC-ready.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO gauge (1:76.2) for 16.5mm track.
• Construction: High-quality plastic body with separately fitted details, including fine handrails, lamp irons, and pipework. The tender and locomotive bodies were redesigned for improved accuracy.
• Detailing: Enhanced cab detail with painted controls, separately applied components, and accurate BR Standard features. Rivet and lining detail were crisp and prototypical.
• Couplings: NEM pockets with tension-lock couplers, allowing easy conversion to alternative coupling systems.

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor & Drive: Smooth-running can motor with a modern chassis design, driving the coupled wheels via a reliable gear train. Electrical pickup from locomotive and tender wheels for consistent performance.
• Minimum Radius: Suitable for second radius curves (approx. 438mm).
• Lighting: No factory lighting fitted.
• Weighting: Improved weight distribution for better traction and stability.

DCC Capability

The 2008 tooling was fully DCC-ready, featuring an 8-pin NMRA/NEM socket located in the tender. This made decoder installation straightforward compared to the earlier split-chassis design.

Liveries Produced

Initial releases included:

• BR Lined Green with Early Emblem (1948–1957)
• BR Lined Green with Late Crest (1957–1968)
• BR Lined Black with Late Crest (1957–1968)

Weathered versions and preserved examples were also offered in later runs.

Reviews & Commentary

The retooled model was widely praised for its accurate proportions, fine detailing, and vastly improved running qualities. Reviewers highlighted the smooth, quiet mechanism and ease of DCC conversion. Compared to the previous split-chassis version, reliability and serviceability were considered excellent. Some enthusiasts noted that while the model lacked factory lighting or sound, its overall fidelity and performance set a new benchmark for Bachmann’s steam range.

Media & Social Media

Model railway forums and YouTube reviews frequently commend the 2008 tooling as a major step forward for Bachmann. Videos often showcase its slow-speed control and realistic appearance in layouts. Discussions also cover decoder fitting and weathering techniques for added realism.

Interesting Notes

• The retooling coincided with Bachmann’s broader move away from split-chassis designs, aligning with modern DCC standards.
• Collectors value early examples in pristine condition, especially limited weathered editions and club exclusives.

Class & Prototype

Operator & Livery

British Railways transformed Britain's fragmented rail network into a unified national system following nationalisation on 1st January 1948. Created from the "Big Four" companies under the Transport Act 1947, BR operated most of Great Britain's railways until rebranding as British Rail in 1965, managing over 20,000 route miles and inheriting nearly 20,000 locomotives of diverse designs.

The organisation pioneered standardisation through its revolutionary BR Standard locomotive programme (1951-1960), producing 999 advanced steam engines under Robert Riddles' direction. These included the versatile Britannia Pacifics, mighty 9F freight engines, and mixed-traffic classes that incorporated the best features from all predecessor companies. The 1955 Modernisation Plan accelerated diesel and electric traction development, creating fascinating mixed-traction operations.

Notable achievements included establishing unified locomotive classification systems, introducing distinctive corporate liveries, and managing the complex transition from steam to modern traction. BR's six regional structure preserved operational diversity whilst enabling standardisation of practices, signalling, and rolling stock that had eluded private enterprise for over a century.

The BR era represents steam traction's final flowering alongside emerging diesel technology, creating unparalleled locomotive variety. Today, this heritage remains highly popular with railway enthusiasts through extensive preserved fleets, heritage railway operations, and comprehensive model ranges from manufacturers like Hornby, Bachmann, and Dapol, making BR subjects essential for authentic post-war British railway modelling across all scales.

British Railways' lined black livery was designated for mixed-traffic and secondary passenger locomotives from 1949, following pure LNWR style with black base colour and elaborate red, cream (off-white), and grey lining patterns. The lining specification comprised 5/8" grey, 1/8" cream, 1½" black, and ¼" red bands, with the layout consistent with LNWR practice including deep and shallow valances lined along bottom edges only, unlike green engines. The first lined black engines appeared in August 1948 when Hall 5954 appeared so painted, becoming one of the first to carry the "Lion and Wheel" emblem around the same time.

A wide range of engines was eligible for this livery, from powerful V2s and Counties down to tiny Southern Terriers, encompassing County, Hall, Grange, Manor, Saint, Prairie tanks, and numerous pre-grouping designs of varied shapes and sizes. This created many variations and interpretation problems due to the diverse locomotive types involved, with regional differences in splasher lining treatment—the Eastern Region used red-only splasher lining, whilst the Southern Region evolved from inset to edge lining styles. The emblem was positioned centrally on tender sides above the middle axle box, with the Western Region favouring larger sizes on tenders and bigger tank engines. An interesting period detail saw number plates routinely painted red from late 1949 to early 1952, adding colour contrast to the otherwise black scheme. This livery represented BR's commitment to standardising mixed-traffic operations whilst maintaining the decorative traditions that distinguished passenger-rated locomotives from plain freight engines.