Bachmann 32-515Z

British Rail Derby Lightweight RDB975004 British Rail Research Department, Blue & Red

Contents

Tooling

In 2011, Bachmann Branchline launched a new OO gauge tooling to represent the iconic Derby Lightweight DMU. These pioneering post-war vehicles built at Derby Works between 1954–59 were the first mass-produced DMUs on British Railways, featuring lightweight aluminium construction and hydraulic/mechanical transmissions. The Bachmann tooling brought this classic into OO scale with accuracy and finesse.

Model reviews and unboxings (e.g. on Sam’s Trains, BluecoatCheesyPoofs) applaud the tooling’s excellent detail—especially piped underframes, glazing, and lighting—and note smooth performance across radius-2 curves. DCC readiness is praised, though users occasionally report flickering lights which may need minor resistor or capacitor adjustments.

Online forums and social media buzzed about the tooling upon release in 2011, with hobbyists impressed by the level of separate piping, handrails, and realistic window surrounds. The “Test Unit Gemini” variant, released later in collaboration with specialist retailers, generated excitement as the first ready-to-run OO gauge representation of this unique BEMU prototype.

Detailing: Chemically blackened wheels; body with factory-fitted separately moulded details including handrails, piping, footsteps, vestibules and multiple bufferbeam options supplied via detailing pack. Precise glazing with separately fitted window wipers, painted body piping for front/rear, vestibule surrounds, roof railing in kit, footplate, interior and cab detailing. International hook & loop between units where applicable; detailing pack includes dummy coupling alternatives.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: RDB975004

The British Rail Derby Lightweight pioneered diesel multiple unit operation in Britain from 1954, employing revolutionary aluminium alloy construction and Lysholm-Smith hydraulic transmission. Sixteen Red Triangle power twin units (79000-79007, 79500-79507) served exclusively from Bradford depot on West Riding routes until 1964 withdrawal. The wider 217-vehicle fleet transformed branch line economics across England and Scotland through 1969. Bachmann's award-winning OO gauge models (catalogue numbers 32-515 through 32-518) faithfully capture these historically significant vehicles across multiple livery variations, earning third place in Model Rail's "Model of the Decade" awards.

Operator & Livery

  • Operator: British Rail
  • Livery: Research Department, Blue & Red
  • Era: 7/8

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.