Bachmann 30-525

Tooling

Announced in 2005, Bachmann’s tooling for the Great Western Railway (GWR) 49XX ‘Hall’ Class represented a significant upgrade in OO gauge steam locomotive modelling. The Hall Class, designed by Charles Collett in the 1920s, was a mixed-traffic workhorse of the GWR and later British Railways, making it a popular choice for modellers. Bachmann’s release aimed to deliver high fidelity detailing and modern mechanical standards for enthusiasts seeking authenticity and reliability.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO gauge (1:76)
• Construction: High-fidelity plastic bodyshell with separately fitted metal details; metal running plate; authentic copper chimney cap
• Detailing: Separate handrails, lamp irons, steam pipes, splashers; detailed cab interior with glazed windows and decorated backhead; brake rigging and sandpipes included
• Tender: Collett design with separately fitted handrails, brake handle, water scoop; brake rigging present
• Couplings: NEM pockets with tension-lock couplers; adjustable tender drawbar
• Buffers: Sprung buffers on locomotive and tender

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor: Powerful 3-pole can motor located in the locomotive
• Drive: Loco-driven wheels with electrical pickup from all six driving wheels
• Minimum Radius: Second radius (approx. 438 mm)
• Weighting: Internal chassis weights for adhesion
• Lighting: No factory lighting provision

DCC Capability

• DCC Ready with 8-pin socket (recommended decoder: Bachmann 36-566A)
• No factory sound or speaker provision

Liveries Produced

The tooling has supported a wide range of authentic liveries across GWR and BR eras, including:

• GWR Lined Green with “Great Crest Western” branding
• BR Green (early and late crests)
• BR Black (early and late emblems)
• Special editions and weathered variants

Reviews & Commentary

The Bachmann Hall Class has been praised for its accurate proportions, fine detailing, and smooth running. Community feedback on forums such as RMweb generally favours Bachmann over competing models for its fidelity and reliability. YouTube showcases and retailer reviews highlight its strong haulage capability and excellent finish, though some note the absence of factory lighting and sound as a limitation for modern DCC layouts.

Interesting Notes

• Etched nameplates and numberplates supplied for optional fitment
• Accessory pack included with additional detailing parts
• Models based on preserved prototypes, enhancing appeal for heritage layouts

Bachmann's Description & Specifications

The GWR 49XX Hall Class was one of the Great Western Railway’s (GWR) most successful mixed traffic steam locomotives, making it a fitting subject for this Bachmann Branchline OO Scale model. A high level of detail is exhibited throughout the Branchline model, starting with the metal running plate onto which separate components like the steam pipes, splashers and metal lamp brackets are fitted. The boiler, firebox and cab are all high fidelity plastic mouldings, sporting separate metal handrails and handrail knobs, whilst an authentic copper cap is fitted to the chimney. Inside the cab, separate glazing is employed and the detailed boiler backhead is finished with appropriate decoration to the various controls, pipes and gauges.

Below the running plate and the 4-6-0 wheel formation is reproduced authentically, with metal valve gear and separate metal sandpipes along with sandboxes – brake rigging is included too. Powered by a 3 pole motor, electrical pickup comes from all six driving wheels and the locomotive to tender drawbar is adjustable to suit different running conditions. Talking of the tender the version modelled is a detailed rendition of the prototype, with handrails, brake handle, water scoop and operating handle all added separately, and again brake rigging is included. Sprung buffers can be found on both the locomotive and tender.

The livery is applied to the model in all its glory to an exceptional standard, utilising authentic colours, typefaces and logos to really bring this Hall Class locomotive to life. Nameplates and numberplates are printed on the model, with etched versions of each supplied with every model for optional fitment.

Class & Prototype

Operator & Livery

The Great Western Railway (1835-1947) was Britain's most innovative railway company, engineered by Isambard Kingdom Brunel with his revolutionary 7ft ¼in broad gauge system. Known affectionately as "God's Wonderful Railway" and the "Holiday Line," the GWR connected London Paddington with the West Country, Wales, and Birmingham through 3,800 miles of superbly engineered routes.

Renowned for its Brunswick green locomotives, chocolate and cream carriages, and engineering excellence centred at Swindon Works, the GWR pioneered advanced steam technology under chief mechanical engineers Daniel Gooch, George Jackson Churchward, and Charles Collett. The company's legendary locomotive classes—including Castle, King, Hall, and Manor—established performance standards that influenced British locomotive design for decades.

The only "Big Four" railway to retain its original identity through the 1921 grouping, the GWR maintained its distinctive corporate culture until nationalisation in 1947. Today, the company's engineering legacy lives on through extensive preservation efforts, heritage railways, and detailed model railway recreations that celebrate the finest traditions of British steam railway operation.