Bachmann 32-253

Tooling

Bachmann Branchline introduced its OO gauge model of the War Department Austerity 2-8-0 in 1996. This model represented one of the most prolific wartime freight locomotives, originally designed by R.A. Riddles for the Ministry of Supply during World War II. The tooling was developed to capture the rugged and utilitarian nature of the prototype, which was based on the LMS 8F but simplified for wartime production.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO gauge (1:76)
• Construction: Plastic body with separately fitted details; die-cast chassis
• Detailing: Includes handrails, valve gear, piping, and removable coal load; some versions featured additional region-specific details such as Westinghouse brake gear and window shutters
• Couplings: NEM pockets with Bachmann tension-lock or EZ-mate knuckle couplers depending on release

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor: Five-pole skew-wound motor (CAN motor)
• Drive: All-wheel drive via central motor and gear tower
• Minimum Radius: Suitable for second radius curves (approx. 438mm)
• Lighting: Some versions included directional lighting; tender lighting on select models
• Weighting: Moderate weight for good traction; tender free-floating with drawbar connection

DCC Capability

The original tooling was DCC compatible but not DCC ready. No decoder socket was provided, requiring hard-wiring for digital conversion. Space inside the body was limited, and installation required removal of the factory PCB and careful placement of the decoder above the motor.

Liveries Produced

Numerous liveries were released using this tooling, including:

• War Department Khaki and Green
• Longmoor Military Railway Blue
• LNER Black
• BR Black (early and late crests)
• Nederlandse Spoorwegen Green
• Kowloon Canton Railway Green (Limited Edition)

Reviews

Contemporary reviews praised the model's pulling power, smooth running, and overall detailing, though some noted fragility in separately fitted parts and challenges with DCC conversion. The model was considered a strong performer for freight operations and well-suited to layouts depicting post-war or military themes.

Media & Commentary

The model has featured in various YouTube running sessions and enthusiast blogs. The KCR version, released around 2000, received particular attention for its unique packaging and commemorative nature. Social media commentary often highlights the model's historical significance and its role in representing wartime logistics on model railways.

Additional Notes

• Packaging for limited editions included wooden presentation boxes and certificates
• Some models included user-fit accessories such as brake rigging
• Despite its age, the tooling remained popular until its retooling in 2012

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.

British Railways' plain black livery was designated specifically for freight and shunting locomotives from 1948, representing the most economical and practical finish for inherently dirty industrial machines. During the early nationalisation period, many locomotives were simply patch-painted over old company markings with black paint, which quickly weathered to match the existing finish as these engines were rarely cleaned. The "Lion and Wheel" emblem (nicknamed the "Cycling Lion") was introduced from December 1948 and applied to plain black locomotives from early 1949, featuring a lion standing over a large railway wheel with "British Railways" lettering across the centre.

The emblem was produced in three sizes and always faced forward, positioned centrally on tender sides or tank sides, with regional preferences evident—the Western Region favoured larger emblems whilst other regions used smaller versions. Plain black locomotives retained red buffer beams and received white "BRITISH RAILWAYS" lettering in Gill Sans style before the emblem's introduction. Some former company locomotives, particularly ex-GWR shunting engines, retained their original lettering well into the early 1960s as they didn't require renumbering and received minimal attention. This utilitarian livery remained standard for freight operations until the mid-1950s emblem change, making it essential for authentic early BR period modelling of goods yards, collieries, and industrial operations.