Bachmann 32-777WDS

Tooling

In 2006, Bachmann Branchline unveiled a major upgrade to its British Rail Class 37 tooling in OO gauge (1:76 scale). This retooling replaced the 2003 version and introduced significant improvements in accuracy, detailing, and technology. The Class 37, an English Electric Type 3 diesel locomotive, remained a favourite among enthusiasts, and Bachmann’s new tooling aimed to set a benchmark for modern ready-to-run diesel models.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO gauge (1:76).
• Construction: Plastic bodyshell with diecast metal chassis for strength and weight.
• Detailing: Highly detailed bodyshell with factory-fitted separate parts including handrails, lamp irons, jumper cables, etched fan grilles, radio aerials, and bufferbeam detail packs. Sprung metal buffers were standard.
• Cab & Interior: Fully detailed and painted cab interiors with crew figures and legible placards.
• Couplings: NEM pockets with tension-lock couplers.
• Variants: Tooling covered multiple subclasses including Class 37/0 (split and centre headcode), 37/4, and 37/5.

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor: Five-pole motor with twin flywheels for smooth, powerful performance.
• Drive: All-wheel drive and electrical pickup from all wheels.
• Minimum Radius: Second radius curves (approx. 438mm).
• Lighting: Directional headlights and tail lights, plus cab lighting on DCC. Analogue operation supports basic directional lighting.
• Weighting: Integrated diecast chassis for excellent adhesion and haulage.

DCC Capability

• DCC Ready with a 21-pin socket.
• Provision for a 20x40mm speaker for sound installation.
• Factory sound-fitted versions available using Zimo decoders, with advanced sound projects and lighting control.

Liveries Produced

The 2006 tooling was released in a wide range of authentic liveries across multiple eras, including:

• BR Green with Late Crest (1957–1972)
• BR Blue (1965–1990)
• BR Large Logo Blue (1978–1994)
• Regional Railways (1986–2000)
• Railfreight Triple Grey (Sectorisation era)
• Civil Engineers “Dutch”
• Transrail
• EWS Maroon & Gold
• Direct Rail Services (DRS)
• Network Rail Yellow

Reviews & Commentary

The 2006 upgrade was widely acclaimed for its improved fidelity and technical specification. Reviewers praised the accurate body shape, fine etched details, and robust mechanism. The addition of cab lighting and a 21-pin DCC socket was considered a major step forward. Performance was described as smooth and powerful, with excellent slow-speed control. Some enthusiasts noted that while the model was highly detailed, the price point was higher than previous releases, sparking debate when compared to emerging competitors.

Media & Social Media

Model railway forums and YouTube reviews highlighted the model’s exceptional finish, lighting features, and sound options. The introduction of sound-fitted and deluxe variants with motorised fans and tinted glazing generated significant interest among collectors and operators. Social media commentary often compared the Bachmann model favourably against rivals, citing its reliability and detailing as standout features.

Interesting Notes

• Sound-fitted deluxe versions included motorised radiator fans and tinted windscreen glazing for added realism.
• The tooling remained in production for many years and formed the basis for later enhancements and special editions.

Class & Prototype

The British Rail Class 37 is one of Britain's most successful diesel locomotive designs, with 309 locomotives built 1960-1965 by English Electric. Powered by the proven 12CSVT diesel engine producing 1,750 bhp, these Co-Co diesels served for 65 years on freight, passenger, and mixed-traffic duties across the entire BR network. Known as "Tractors" for their distinctive exhaust note, Class 37s worked everything from East Anglian expresses to West Highland Line services, Welsh coal trains, and nuclear flask operations. Extensive 1980s refurbishment created specialist subclasses including 37/4 ETH passenger variants, 37/5 freight, 37/7 heavy freight, and 37/6 Nightstar variants. Approximately 60 remain in mainline service with 30 preserved. Comprehensive OO gauge models available from Bachmann, Accurascale, and Hornby; N gauge from Graham Farish; O gauge from Heljan across extensive livery ranges spanning BR green through privatisation eras.

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

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.

BR Blue, also known as Rail Blue or Monastral Blue, was introduced in 1965 as part of British Rail's comprehensive corporate identity overhaul that accompanied the rebranding from British Railways to British Rail. The colour was officially defined by British Standards BR28/6001 (airless spray finish) and BR28/5321 (brush finish), representing a dark, greyish blue tone specifically chosen to hide dirt and weathering effects well.

The livery was prototyped on the experimental XP64 train in 1964 before becoming the standard scheme from 1 January 1965. Rail Blue was applied to all diesel and electric locomotives with yellow warning panels (initially small, then extending to full yellow ends from 1966). The standardised application included the iconic double arrow logo and Rail Alphabet typeface, creating one of the most successful transport corporate identities of the 20th century.

The livery dominated British Rail operations for over two decades until sectorisation in the 1980s began fragmenting the unified appearance. Despite initial colour fading problems in early applications, these were resolved by the late 1970s when the Large Logo variant was introduced featuring extended yellow areas and full-height double arrow symbols. Rail Blue's enduring appeal among railway enthusiasts reflects its role as the definitive British Rail image during the organisation's most unified period.