Bachmann 31-318K

Tooling

Announced in 2013, Bachmann Branchline introduced an all-new OO gauge tooling for the Robinson-designed Great Central Railway Class 9J, later classified by the LNER as Class J11. These 0-6-0 freight locomotives, nicknamed “Pom-Poms,” were built between 1901 and 1910 and served extensively under the GCR, LNER, and British Railways until the early 1960s. The model filled a significant gap for pre-grouping and early LNER enthusiasts, offering a highly detailed representation of this iconic goods engine.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO gauge (1:76).
• Construction: Precision-moulded plastic bodyshell with mixed metal/plastic chassis for strength and weight.
• Detailing: Factory-fitted separate details including handrails, lamp irons, pipework, reverser, safety valves, smokebox door dart, whistle, sprung buffers, and detailed cab interior with glazing. A fallplate between loco and tender is included.
• Tender: Permanently coupled to the locomotive, housing the PCB and provision for a speaker.
• Couplings: NEM pockets with tension-lock couplers.

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor: Smooth-running 3-pole motor located in the locomotive.
• Drive: Loco-driven wheels with pickups on 5 of 6 axles.
• Minimum Radius: Second radius curves (approx. 438mm).
• Weighting: Metal components within boiler and chassis for improved adhesion.
• Lighting: No factory lighting fitted.
• Power Collection: 2-rail DC.

DCC Capability

• DCC Ready with a 21-pin socket located in the tender.
• Provision for a speaker for sound installation.
• Factory-fitted DCC and sound versions were also offered in later releases.

Liveries Produced

• Great Central Railway black (Collectors Club limited edition).
• LNER black (1923–1947).
• BR plain black (1948 onwards).
• BR black with early emblem.
• BR black with late crest.

Reviews & Commentary

Model railway reviewers and enthusiasts praised the J11 tooling for its fine detailing, accurate proportions, and smooth running. Video reviews highlight the model’s robust mechanism and authentic appearance, though some noted the permanently coupled tender and absence of factory lighting as minor drawbacks. Social media discussions generally regard the J11 as one of Bachmann’s best pre-grouping releases, with positive feedback on its versatility for freight and mixed-traffic layouts.

Interesting Notes

• The prototype locomotives were known as “Pom-Poms” due to their exhaust sound resembling a quick-firing gun.
• Special editions included weathered and sound-fitted versions for collectors.

Class & Prototype

The GCR Class 9J was John G. Robinson's first complete goods locomotive design, with 174 examples built 1901-1910 by five manufacturers. These versatile 0-6-0s hauled coal traffic, mixed goods, and passenger services across six decades, pioneering the Robinson superheater that became LNER Group Standard. Nicknamed "Pom-Poms" for their distinctive exhaust beat, they served the GCR, LNER, and BR until 1962. Despite remarkable longevity, not one survived preservation. Bachmann's OO gauge range (2013-present) provides authentic LNER and BR variants with optional DCC sound capturing the characteristic rapid exhaust.

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery