Bachmann 32-285A

British Rail Class 101 DTCL SC56389 British Railways Green

Contents

Tooling

The Bachmann Branchline OO tooling for the British Rail Class 101 "Met-Cam" DMU was introduced in 2014 as part of Bachmann's 25th-anniversary product launch in Europe, marking the first time the Metro-Cammell–built Class 101 was accurately modelled in OO at this level of quality.

Originally built by Metro-Cammell between 1956 and 1959, the Class 101 units became iconic first-generation DMUs on British Rail. Bachmann's 2014 release celebrated this legacy with accurate prototypes and high-quality detailing, aimed at both enthusiasts and layout modellers.

The tooling received strong praise from magazines, forums and video reviewers for its accuracy, fine detailing and smooth running. Enthusiasts highlighted the realistic interiors, lighting features and ease of DCC installation. Social media and RMweb discussions noted the improved coupling system and reliable performance on tight curves, while YouTube reviewers commended the model's finish and operational realism, especially when fitted with sound. Overall, the release was widely regarded as a long-awaited and high-quality representation of the Class 101.

Overall, the Bachmann Branchline Class 101 Met-Cam OO tooling is a significant asset for first-generation DMU enthusiasts—offering high fidelity to prototype, robust running across small radii, modular DCC/sound options, and a faithful representation of this iconic British DMU in multiple eras.

Detailing: Injection-moulded bodyshell with separate factory-fitted detail parts including coach-end railings, handrails, exhausts, vestibules and underbody pipework. Painted bufferbeams, chemically-blackened wheels, glazing, seating, clear window-wipers, cab interior with speedo and footplate details. Screw-link couplings included, NEM coupling pockets allowing swap to tension-lock or conductive coupling, supported by drawbar coupling between vehicles.

Bachmann's Description & Specifications

Revealed as part of our Autumn 2022 British Railway Announcements, the iconic Class 101 DMU returns to the Bachmann Branchline.

Our model of the Class 101 two-car Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) captures the character of these first generation DMUs to a tee. Featuring detailed bodywork and interiors, the bogies have been finely rendered and all of the chassis-mounted equipment is present and correct too. All of these details are highlighted by the exquisite livery application, using BR-specification colours and authentic numbers and logos to produce a multiple unit fit for any British Rail fleet.

This two-car unit features a conductive coupling between the two vehicles meaning that a single DCC decoder is required for use on DCC, whilst space is provided for a speaker should you wish to fit sound to your model. Easier still, choose our SOUND FITTED model and you can enjoy realistic sounds on both Analogue and DCC straight out of the box.

MODEL FEATURES:

  • Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
  • Era 5
  • Pristine BR Green (Roundel) Livery
  • 2-Car Unit comprising DMBS No. SC51231 and DTCL No. SC56389
  • Headcode B and Destination Blinds for Perth and Dundee Tay Bridge
  • Accessory Pack
  • NEM Coupling Pockets
  • Powerful 5 Pole Motor with Flywheel
  • Sprung Buffers
  • Directional Lighting and Illuminated Destination Blinds
  • Interior Lighting
  • Ready to Accept a Speaker
  • Equipped with a 21 Pin DCC Decoder Socket – recommended Decoder item No. 36-557
  • Length 495mm

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: SC56389

The British Rail Class 101 was Metro-Cammell's most successful first-generation DMU, with over 700 vehicles built 1956-1959 serving across Britain for 47 years until 2003. Powered by twin 150hp BUT AEC or Leyland diesel engines, these distinctive units operated from Tyneside to Scottish Highlands, dominating Birmingham's Cross-City Line for 35 years. Comprehensive 1970s-1980s refurbishment programmes extended their operational lives dramatically. The type carried every major BR livery including green, blue, blue/grey, white/blue, Strathclyde orange, and Network SouthEast schemes. With 41 vehicles preserved and comprehensive model availability from Bachmann (OO), Graham Farish (N gauge), and Hornby, the Class 101 remains essential for depicting authentic British branch line and suburban operations from the late 1950s through early 2000s.

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.