Bachmann 30-170

Midland Railway 1000 Class 1000 Midland Railway Maroon

Contents

Tooling

In 2011, Bachmann Branchline introduced an all-new OO gauge tooling for the Midland Railway 1000 Class, commonly known as the ‘Midland Compound’. This 4-4-0 locomotive was a landmark design by Samuel W. Johnson and later modified by Richard Deeley, featuring a three-cylinder compound arrangement. The prototype served under Midland Railway, LMS, and British Railways, making it a popular subject for modellers seeking pre-grouping through BR steam era representations.

Tooling Features

  • Scale: OO gauge (1:76).
  • Construction: High-quality plastic bodyshell with separately fitted details; die-cast chassis for weight and stability.
  • Detailing: Fine rivet detail, accurate cab interior, sprung buffers, and NEM coupling pockets.
  • Couplings: NEM pockets with tension-lock couplers supplied.

Mechanical & Electrical

  • Motor & Drive: Smooth-running motor housed in the locomotive, driving the coupled wheels via a gear train.
  • Minimum Radius: Second radius curves (approx. 450 mm) recommended.
  • Lighting: No factory-fitted lighting.
  • Weighting: Die-cast chassis provides good adhesion for prototypical haulage.
  • Running-in: Recommended one hour in each direction before regular use.

DCC Capability

  • Socket: 21-pin MTC socket located in the tender.
  • Sound: Space provided in the tender for a speaker; compatible with sound decoders.
  • Operation: DCC Ready; some versions supplied DCC-fitted or sound-equipped.

Liveries Produced

  • Midland Railway Crimson Lake (including NRM exclusive No. 1000).
  • LMS Crimson Lake.
  • LMS Black.
  • BR Black (Early Emblem).
  • BR Black (Late Crest).

Reviews & Commentary

Positive Feedback: Praised for accurate proportions, crisp detailing, and smooth running at moderate speeds.

Criticism: Some users report jerky performance at very low speeds on DC, often improved after running-in or decoder adjustment.

Media Coverage: Featured in YouTube reviews and enthusiast forums, where collectors highlight its fine finish and historical appeal.

Interesting Notes

  • Includes accessory pack with optional detailing parts such as vacuum pipes and dummy couplings.
  • Adjustable tender drawbar for different curve radii.
  • Recommended for ages 14+, reflecting its fine detail and handling requirements.

Summary

Bachmann’s 2011 Midland Compound tooling remains a benchmark for pre-grouping and LMS-era modelling, combining historical accuracy with modern features like DCC readiness and provision for sound. Its broad livery range and strong detailing make it a favourite among collectors and layout builders.

Class & Prototype

The Midland Railway 1000 Class represents Britain's most successful compound locomotive design, with 45 locomotives built at Derby Works 1902-1909. Samuel Johnson's original five compounds pioneered the three-cylinder system that Richard Deeley refined with his ingenious automatic starting arrangement. These elegant 4-4-0 express passenger engines excelled on the challenging Settle-Carlisle route and demonstrated superior fuel economy in rigorous 1924-1925 comparative trials, inspiring 195 additional LMS compounds. Only No. 1000 survives in preservation at the National Railway Museum. Excellent OO gauge models available from Bachmann Branchline (£100-120, DCC Ready with 21-pin socket) and Hornby Railways (£75-100, budget Railroad range), offering authentic representation across Midland crimson lake, LMS maroon, and BR lined black liveries spanning five decades of British railway history.

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery