Bachmann 31-585Z

Class & Prototype

The British Rail Class 70 is a General Electric PowerHaul diesel-electric locomotive introduced in 2009 for UK freight operations. Built at GE's Erie, Pennsylvania plant, 36 locomotives entered service with Freightliner Heavy Haul (20 units) and Colas Rail (17 units) between 2009-2017. Delivering 3,690 hp with 544 kN starting tractive effort, the Class 70 represents Britain's most powerful privately-owned freight diesel, featuring regenerative braking, Miller cycle engine efficiency, and air-conditioned cabs. Despite early reliability problems causing widespread Freightliner fleet storage (2017-2020), the class found its niche hauling 4,000-tonne aggregate trains from Tunstead and Merehead quarries, whilst Colas Rail's modified fleet achieved excellent reliability on infrastructure and general freight work. The distinctive American hood-unit styling, green-yellow Freightliner and yellow-orange Colas liveries create instant recognition. Bachmann produces comprehensive OO gauge models (£212-350) whilst Graham Farish offers N gauge variants (£141-155).

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery