Bachmann 32-165

Tooling

In 2011, Bachmann Branchline introduced a significant upgrade to its original 1998 tooling of the South Eastern & Chatham Railway (SECR) N Class 2-6-0 steam locomotive. This update responded to evolving expectations in the ready-to-run market, incorporating modern features while retaining the model’s historical accuracy and appeal to Southern Railway enthusiasts.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO gauge (1:76)
• Construction: Enhanced plastic body with improved detailing; metal chassis and die-cast components for strength and weight
• Detailing: Refined rivet and cab detail, improved smoke box fittings, accurate chimney profiles, and finer handrails
• Couplings: NEM pockets with tension-lock couplers; compatible with alternative coupling systems

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor: Updated motor offering smoother and quieter performance
• Drive: All-wheel drive with pickups on both locomotive and tender
• Minimum Radius: Suitable for second radius curves (438 mm)
• Lighting: No factory-fitted lighting
• Weighting: Improved weight distribution for enhanced traction and stability

DCC Capability

• DCC Status: DCC Ready with 6-pin socket
• Upgrade Options: Easily fitted with standard 6-pin decoders; some later releases included DCC On Board

Liveries Produced

The upgraded tooling supported a refreshed range of liveries, including:

• SECR Grey
• Southern Railway Black
• Southern Railway Malachite Green
• British Railways Black with Early Emblem

Reviews & Commentary

The 2011 upgrade was well received by modellers and reviewers. Improvements in running quality and detailing were widely praised, particularly the smoother motor and enhanced cab features. The addition of a DCC socket addressed a key limitation of the original tooling. Some feedback noted that while the model retained its classic appearance, further enhancements such as lighting or sound would be welcome in future iterations.

Media & Social Media

Model railway forums and social media platforms highlighted the upgraded N Class as a solid performer and a valuable addition to Southern Region layouts. Photos of preserved locomotive No. 31874, which influenced several liveries, were frequently shared alongside model comparisons. The model also appeared in layout features and YouTube reviews, often praised for its versatility and historical significance.

Interesting Notes

• The 2011 upgrade coincided with a broader push by Bachmann to modernize its tooling across the Branchline range.
• Preserved N Class No. 31874, based at the Watercress Line, was a key reference for detailing and livery accuracy.
• Some releases from this tooling were weathered or paired with matching rolling stock in train packs.

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' lined black livery was designated for mixed-traffic and secondary passenger locomotives from 1949, following pure LNWR style with black base colour and elaborate red, cream (off-white), and grey lining patterns. The lining specification comprised 5/8" grey, 1/8" cream, 1½" black, and ¼" red bands, with the layout consistent with LNWR practice including deep and shallow valances lined along bottom edges only, unlike green engines. The first lined black engines appeared in August 1948 when Hall 5954 appeared so painted, becoming one of the first to carry the "Lion and Wheel" emblem around the same time.

A wide range of engines was eligible for this livery, from powerful V2s and Counties down to tiny Southern Terriers, encompassing County, Hall, Grange, Manor, Saint, Prairie tanks, and numerous pre-grouping designs of varied shapes and sizes. This created many variations and interpretation problems due to the diverse locomotive types involved, with regional differences in splasher lining treatment—the Eastern Region used red-only splasher lining, whilst the Southern Region evolved from inset to edge lining styles. The emblem was positioned centrally on tender sides above the middle axle box, with the Western Region favouring larger sizes on tenders and bigger tank engines. An interesting period detail saw number plates routinely painted red from late 1949 to early 1952, adding colour contrast to the otherwise black scheme. This livery represented BR's commitment to standardising mixed-traffic operations whilst maintaining the decorative traditions that distinguished passenger-rated locomotives from plain freight engines.