Bachmann 31-781

Tooling

In 2013, Bachmann Branchline introduced a major upgrade to its OO gauge model of the GWR 6959 ‘Modified Hall’ Class. This retool replaced the earlier 1990s split-chassis design with a modern specification, addressing previous limitations and aligning with contemporary standards for detail, performance, and digital control. The new tooling retained the essence of Hawksworth’s mixed-traffic locomotive while offering significantly improved fidelity and functionality.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO gauge (1:76) for 16.5mm track.
• Construction: High-quality injection-moulded bodyshell with separate factory-fitted details; metal chassis components for strength.
• Detailing: Separate handrails, drain cocks, whistles, and pipework; detailed and painted cab interior with glazing; pre-fitted bufferbeam detail and cosmetic coupling hooks; fluted connecting rods with realistic finish; chemically blackened wheels.
• Couplings: NEM pockets with tension-lock couplers; adjustable tender drawbar for close coupling.

Mechanical & Electrical

• Chassis: Modern solid-frame design (no split chassis).
• Motor & Drive: Smooth-running can motor driving the locomotive wheels via a precision gear train.
• Pickups: Electrical pickup from driving wheels and tender wheels for reliable current collection.
• Minimum Radius: Recommended second radius (approx. 438–450mm).
• Weighting: Internal weights in boiler and chassis for improved adhesion.
• Lighting: No factory lighting provision.

DCC Capability

The 2013 tooling is DCC Ready with an 8-pin socket located in the chassis. Provision for a speaker is included, enabling straightforward sound installation. This marked a significant improvement over the earlier non-DCC-ready models.

Liveries Produced

Initial and subsequent releases covered a range of authentic liveries, including:

• BR Lined Green with Early Emblem (Era 4)
• BR Lined Green with Late Crest (Era 5)
• BR Lined Black with Early Emblem (Era 4)
• Weathered variants and preserved condition versions

Reviews & Commentary

The retooled Modified Hall was widely praised for its improved accuracy, fine detailing, and smooth running. Reviewers highlighted the enhanced chassis design and ease of DCC conversion. Some early commentary noted minor dimensional discrepancies around the front end, but overall reception was positive. Social media and forums described the model as a “major step forward” compared to the 1990s tooling, with particular appreciation for the Hawksworth tender and etched nameplates included in later runs.

Interesting Notes

• The 2013 upgrade introduced etched nameplates and accessory packs as standard on many releases.
• Early production faced a brief delay due to a missing fire iron tunnel detail, which Bachmann corrected before full distribution.

Class & Prototype

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.