Bachmann 32-164

Tooling

The Bachmann Branchline model of the South Eastern & Chatham Railway (SECR) N Class 2-6-0 steam locomotive was first introduced in 1998. This tooling marked a significant step in Bachmann’s commitment to representing pre-grouping British railway prototypes in OO gauge. The release coincided with the 50th anniversary of Kader Industries, Bachmann’s parent company, and included several special edition models.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO gauge (1:76)
• Construction: Plastic body with separately fitted details; metal chassis and components for durability
• Detailing: Fine rivet detail, accurate cab fittings, separately applied handrails and lamp irons
• Couplings: Standard tension-lock couplers; some models feature NEM pockets

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor: Smooth-running motor housed in the boiler
• Drive: All-wheel drive with pickups on both locomotive and tender
• Minimum Radius: Recommended second radius (438 mm)
• Lighting: No factory-fitted lighting
• Weighting: Balanced for traction; some tenders include cast coal loads

DCC Capability

• DCC Status: DCC compatible but not DCC ready; no socket fitted
• Upgrade Options: Requires hardwiring for DCC installation

Liveries Produced

The tooling has supported a wide range of liveries across multiple eras:

• SECR Grey (Austerity wartime livery)
• Southern Railway Olive Green
• Southern Railway Black
• Southern Railway Malachite Green
• British Railways Plain Black
• BR Black with Early Emblem
• BR Black with Late Crest
• Córas Iompair Éireann (CIE) Irish Rail liveries

Reviews & Commentary

Upon release, the N Class model was praised for its level of detail and smooth running characteristics. Reviewers noted the crisp livery application and accurate proportions. The model was considered ahead of its time in terms of detail, with many examples still performing well decades later. Some criticisms included the lack of DCC socket and the need for careful handling of fine detail parts.

Media & Social Media

The N Class has featured in various enthusiast reviews and forums. It remains a popular choice among collectors of Southern Region and pre-grouping stock. Special editions, such as the Kader 50th Anniversary twin pack, have been highlighted in collector communities and social media posts.

Interesting Notes

• The N Class was designed by Richard Maunsell in 1914 as a mixed-traffic locomotive for the SECR and later Southern Railway.
• Preserved example No. 31874 influenced several model liveries and was withdrawn from heritage service in 1998 due to mechanical issues.
• Limited edition models were produced for retailers including Modelzone, Murphy’s Models, and Beatties.

Class & Prototype

No prototype found.

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.