Bachmann 31-867

Tooling

In 2015, Bachmann announced a major upgrade to its LNER Class J39 model, replacing the original 1994 split-chassis tooling. The retooled version reflected modern standards in OO gauge locomotive design, addressing long-standing issues such as DCC incompatibility and limited electrical pickup. The prototype J39, designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, was a versatile mixed-traffic 0-6-0 locomotive built between 1926 and 1941, widely used across the LNER and later British Railways until withdrawal in the early 1960s.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO gauge (1:76)
• Construction: All-new chassis with wiper pickups, plastic body with fine detailing
• Detailing: Separately fitted handrails, lamp brackets, vacuum pipes, cab glazing, and accurate tender variations
• Couplings: NEM pockets with slim tension-lock couplers
• Tender Options: Flat-sided and stepped tenders, matching prototype variations

Mechanical & Electrical

• Drive: Modern chassis with centrally mounted motor driving all coupled wheels
• Motor: Smooth-running can motor with improved gearing for slow-speed control
• Minimum Radius: Suitable for second radius curves (approx. 438 mm)
• Lighting: No factory-fitted lighting
• Weighting: Balanced for traction without excessive mass
• Pickups: Full wiper pickups on locomotive and tender for reliable current collection

DCC Capability

• DCC Ready: Equipped with a 21-pin MTC socket for easy decoder installation
• Sound: Space provided for speaker installation in the tender for sound upgrades

Liveries Produced

• LNER Black (pre-war)
• BR Black with Early Emblem
• BR Black with Late Crest
• Weathered and pristine finishes offered across catalogue numbers

Reviews & Commentary

The 2015 upgrade was widely praised for bringing the J39 up to contemporary standards. Reviewers highlighted the improved chassis, reliable pickups, and ease of DCC conversion. Detailing was considered crisp and accurate, while performance tests showed smooth running and strong haulage. Criticism was minimal, mainly noting the absence of factory lighting and sound.

Media & Social Media

Model railway forums and YouTube reviews welcomed the retooled J39 as a significant improvement over the original split-chassis version. Enthusiasts noted its suitability for both freight and passenger layouts, and conversion guides for sound fitting became popular among hobbyists.

Interesting Notes

• The 2015 tooling marked the end of Bachmann’s reliance on split-chassis technology for steam models
• The upgrade coincided with a broader program of modernizing older Bachmann steam locomotive designs

Class & Prototype

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

British Railways transformed Britain's fragmented rail network into a unified national system following nationalisation on 1st January 1948. Created from the "Big Four" companies under the Transport Act 1947, BR operated most of Great Britain's railways until rebranding as British Rail in 1965, managing over 20,000 route miles and inheriting nearly 20,000 locomotives of diverse designs.

The organisation pioneered standardisation through its revolutionary BR Standard locomotive programme (1951-1960), producing 999 advanced steam engines under Robert Riddles' direction. These included the versatile Britannia Pacifics, mighty 9F freight engines, and mixed-traffic classes that incorporated the best features from all predecessor companies. The 1955 Modernisation Plan accelerated diesel and electric traction development, creating fascinating mixed-traction operations.

Notable achievements included establishing unified locomotive classification systems, introducing distinctive corporate liveries, and managing the complex transition from steam to modern traction. BR's six regional structure preserved operational diversity whilst enabling standardisation of practices, signalling, and rolling stock that had eluded private enterprise for over a century.

The BR era represents steam traction's final flowering alongside emerging diesel technology, creating unparalleled locomotive variety. Today, this heritage remains highly popular with railway enthusiasts through extensive preserved fleets, heritage railway operations, and comprehensive model ranges from manufacturers like Hornby, Bachmann, and Dapol, making BR subjects essential for authentic post-war British railway modelling across all scales.

British Railways' plain black livery was designated specifically for freight and shunting locomotives from 1948, representing the most economical and practical finish for inherently dirty industrial machines. During the early nationalisation period, many locomotives were simply patch-painted over old company markings with black paint, which quickly weathered to match the existing finish as these engines were rarely cleaned. The "Lion and Wheel" emblem (nicknamed the "Cycling Lion") was introduced from December 1948 and applied to plain black locomotives from early 1949, featuring a lion standing over a large railway wheel with "British Railways" lettering across the centre.

The emblem was produced in three sizes and always faced forward, positioned centrally on tender sides or tank sides, with regional preferences evident—the Western Region favoured larger emblems whilst other regions used smaller versions. Plain black locomotives retained red buffer beams and received white "BRITISH RAILWAYS" lettering in Gill Sans style before the emblem's introduction. Some former company locomotives, particularly ex-GWR shunting engines, retained their original lettering well into the early 1960s as they didn't require renumbering and received minimal attention. This utilitarian livery remained standard for freight operations until the mid-1950s emblem change, making it essential for authentic early BR period modelling of goods yards, collieries, and industrial operations.