Bachmann 31-001Y

Great Central Railway Class 8K 1185 Great Central Railway Lined Freight Black

Contents

Tooling

In 2010, Bachmann Branchline introduced a new tooling for the iconic Robinson-designed heavy freight locomotive: the Great Central Railway (GCR) Class 8K, later reclassified by the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) as Class O4. This model was developed to represent one of the most prolific and historically significant British steam locomotives, which saw extensive service from the early 20th century through to the 1960s, including wartime use by the Railway Operating Division (ROD).

Tooling Features

  • Scale: OO gauge (1:76.2) for 16.5mm track
  • Construction: Plastic and metal chassis with separately fitted details
  • Detailing: Includes handrails, lamp irons, reverser, safety valves (turned brass), smokebox door dart, whistle, cab interior, glazing, brake rigging, and fluted connecting rods with oily finish
  • Couplings: NEM pockets with tension-lock couplers

Mechanical & Electrical

  • Motor: 3-pole motor located in the locomotive
  • Drive: Loco-driven wheels with electrical pickup from driving wheels
  • Minimum Radius: Suitable for second radius curves
  • Weighting: Balanced weighting in both chassis and tender for improved traction
  • Lighting: No factory-fitted lighting

DCC Capability

  • Socket: DCC Ready with 21-pin socket located in the tender
  • Speaker Provision: Space for a 15x11mm rectangular speaker in the tender

Liveries Produced

  • Great Central Railway lined freight black
  • LNER black (1923–1947)
  • British Railways black with early emblem (1949–1957)
  • British Railways black with late crest (1957–1968)

Reviews & Commentary

The tooling was well received by enthusiasts and reviewers for its historical accuracy, fine detailing, and smooth running performance. The model was praised for capturing the rugged character of the prototype and for its ease of DCC conversion. Weathered versions and limited editions, such as the National Railway Museum release, added further appeal.

Media & Social Media

Numerous YouTube reviews and forum discussions have highlighted the model’s strengths, particularly its detailing and running qualities. The preserved example, No. 63601, featured prominently in promotional material and inspired several releases. Exclusive editions, such as Hatton’s weathered variants, were also popular among collectors.

Additional Notes

The tooling represents both GCR-built and ROD-built variants, with subtle differences in detailing. The permanently coupled tender houses the decoder and speaker, contributing to the model’s balanced performance and ease of digital upgrade.

Class & Prototype

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery