Bachmann 31-461A

Tooling

Announced in 2011 and released from 2012 onwards, Bachmann’s OO gauge model of the South Eastern & Chatham Railway (SECR) C Class represented a significant addition to pre-grouping steam locomotive models. The prototype, designed by Harry Wainwright and built between 1900–1908, was a robust 0-6-0 tender engine primarily for freight but also used on passenger duties. The tooling aimed to capture the elegance of Wainwright’s design and cater to enthusiasts of Southern and early British Railways eras.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO gauge (1:76)
• Construction: High-quality plastic body with fine separately fitted details and metal components for durability
• Detailing: Fully detailed cab interior including backhead; sprung buffers; hinged tender fall-plate; adjustable tender draw-bar; accurate chimney variations; brake rigging supplied for user fitting
• Couplings: Standard tension-lock couplers with NEM pockets

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor: Smooth-running motor housed in the boiler
• Drive: All-wheel drive with tender pickups for reliable current collection
• Minimum Radius: Second radius (438 mm) recommended
• Weighting: Balanced for good traction; tender includes cast coal load
• Lighting: No factory-fitted directional or cab lighting
• Pickups: Located on locomotive and tender for consistent performance

DCC Capability

• DCC Ready with 21-pin socket
• No sound fitted as standard, but space provided for aftermarket sound installation

Liveries Produced

• SECR Lined Green (as preserved No. 592)
• Southern Railway Black (post-1940)
• BR Black with Early Emblem
• Later runs included SR black with green lining and weathered finishes

Reviews & Commentary

The model received praise for its accurate proportions, crisp livery application, and fine detail such as rivets, lamp irons, and cab fittings. Reviewers noted the SECR green version’s intricate lining and the correct tall chimney tooling. Performance was described as smooth and quiet, with good haulage for its size. Minor criticisms included fiddly brake rigging and limitations in printing on small components.

Media & Social Media

The C Class generated strong interest among enthusiasts, with positive coverage on platforms like Sam’s Trains and Jennifer E. Kirk’s YouTube channel. Videos highlighted the model’s aesthetic appeal and reliable running qualities, reinforcing its popularity among collectors of pre-grouping and Southern Region stock.

Interesting Notes

The tooling was part of Bachmann’s strategy to expand pre-grouping offerings, and its success demonstrated demand for historically significant locomotives. The preserved prototype, No. 592, remains a popular subject and influenced the choice of liveries for the initial batch.

Class & Prototype

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

The Southern Railway (SR), formed in 1923 through the amalgamation of numerous railway companies, became Britain's most passenger-focused railway company. The three principal constituents were the LSWR, LB&SCR, and SE&CR, alongside several smaller railways including the Plymouth, Devonport and South Western Junction Railway and various light railways. Operating 2,186 miles across southern England, the SR pioneered extensive third-rail electrification and developed distinctive locomotive classes under Chief Mechanical Engineers Maunsell and Bulleid. The company's malachite green and olive green liveries, Art Deco architecture, and premium passenger services like the Golden Arrow established new British railway standards. Nationalised in 1948, the SR's innovations in electric traction and passenger comfort influenced modern railway practice. Today, SR locomotives remain highly popular with railway modellers for their elegant designs, varied operational roles, and distinctive Southern Railway heritage that connected London with the Channel ports and southern resorts.