Bachmann 32-025A

Tooling

In 2004, Bachmann introduced an all-new Branchline OO-scale Class 20 model, replacing older tooling from other manufacturers. This was Bachmann’s first Class 20 in their range and represented a significant step forward in accuracy and detailing for this popular Type 1 locomotive.

Tooling Features

Scale & Construction: OO gauge (1:76); plastic body shell with separately fitted details; diecast chassis for strength and weight.
Detailing: Etched fan grills, wire handrails, lamp irons, bufferbeam detail, window wipers, sanding gear, battery boxes, footsteps, blackened wheels, and fully glazed cab windows with painted interior.
Couplings: Tension-lock couplings mounted in NEM pockets for easy replacement.

Mechanical & Electrical

Motor & Drive: Five-pole motor mounted centrally with all-wheel drive and pickups for smooth running.
Minimum Radius: Designed for second radius curves (approx. 438 mm).
Weighting: Diecast chassis provides good traction.
Lighting: Early releases had no working lights; later versions introduced directional lighting.
Assembly: Body secured to chassis with screws; additional detailing parts supplied in accessory packs.

DCC Capability

From launch, the model was DCC-ready using an 8-pin socket, allowing straightforward decoder installation. It was compatible with both analog and digital control systems.

Liveries Produced

The tooling supported a wide range of liveries, including:

• BR green (early and late crest)
• BR blue (disc and headcode box variants)
• Railfreight grey with red stripe
• Hunslet-Barclay livery
• Waterman Railways black
• Direct Rail Services (DRS) schemes
• Special and limited editions

Reviews & Commentary

The model was praised for its accurate proportions, fine detailing, and smooth running qualities. Reviewers highlighted the etched grills, separately fitted lamp irons, and realistic underframe detail. Some noted minor limitations such as the absence of lighting on early versions and occasional low-speed cogging.

Media and Social Media

Video reviews and forum discussions at the time welcomed the model as a major improvement over previous Class 20 offerings. Collectors particularly valued the variety of liveries and the inclusion of detailing packs for customization.

Other Interesting Notes

This tooling marked Bachmann’s first DCC-ready diesel locomotive in the Branchline range and set the standard for future releases. It remained in production until later retoolings in 2008 and 2021 introduced further refinements.

Class & Prototype

The BR Class 20 (English Electric Type 1) served British railways from 1957-2025 as one of the most successful diesel designs ever built. With 228 locomotives constructed 1957-1968, these distinctive single-cab "hood units" became famous for their reliable English Electric 8SVT 1,000 hp engines, characteristic nose-to-nose paired operation, and beloved "Chopper" exhaust sound. They worked cross-London freights, Yorkshire coal trains, MGR operations, and modern nuclear flask services. Outstanding models available from Bachmann (OO), Graham Farish (N), and Heljan (O) in liveries from BR Green through DRS Blue.

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.