Bachmann 32-108

Tooling

In 2005, Bachmann introduced a revision to it's British Rail Class 08 tooling. This upgrade replaced the earlier 2000 design and reflected growing expectations for accuracy, mechanical refinement, and digital readiness in the UK model railway market. The revised tooling was developed to deliver improved fidelity and operational performance while maintaining compatibility with modern control systems.

Tooling Features

• Scale & Construction: OO scale (1:76.2), injection-moulded body shell with sharper moulding detail, die-cast chassis for strength and weight.
• Detailing: Enhanced prototype-specific options including lamp brackets, buffer types, radiator ladders, cab door variations, roof vent styles, and compressor boxes. Metal handrails and fine detailing parts were standard.
• Couplings: NEM pockets with tension-lock couplers fitted as standard, allowing easy conversion to alternatives.

Mechanical & Electrical Design

• Motor & Drive: Five-pole motor with flywheel for smooth, slow-speed control. Drive to all axles via precision gearing.
• Chassis: Sprung centre axle for improved track holding; all-wheel electrical pickup for reliable performance.
• Minimum Radius: Compatible with first radius curves.
• Weighting: Die-cast chassis provided excellent traction for shunting duties.
• Lighting: Provision for directional lighting was included in the design, though not all early releases featured factory-fitted lights.

DCC Capability

• The 2005 tooling incorporated an 8-pin decoder socket for straightforward DCC conversion.
• Sound-fitted versions were introduced later using the same chassis design, but the core revision was focused on DCC readiness rather than factory sound.

Liveries Produced (2005–Pre-Next Revision)

The revised tooling appeared in a wide range of authentic liveries, including:

• BR Green (early and late crest)
• BR Blue with yellow ends
• Railfreight sector schemes
• Regional and departmental variations
• Preservation-era colour schemes

Reception and Reviews

The 2005 revision was well received by the modelling press and enthusiasts. Reviews praised the improved body detail, robust chassis, and smooth running qualities. While not as advanced as later retoolings, it was considered a significant step forward from the 2000 tooling, particularly for its mechanical refinement and DCC-friendly design.

Media & Online Commentary

• Forum discussions highlighted the model’s reliability and ease of digital conversion.
• YouTube reviews from the period often compared the 2005 tooling favourably against older versions, noting its improved finish and running performance.

Interesting Insights

• The revision allowed Bachmann to standardise detailing options across multiple Class 08 variants without requiring separate body moulds.
• Its design anticipated the growing popularity of DCC, making conversion straightforward for hobbyists.

Conclusion

Bachmann’s 2005 revision of the Class 08 tooling delivered meaningful improvements in accuracy, mechanical quality, and digital readiness. While later retoolings would push standards even higher, this update established a strong foundation for modern shunter models and remains respected among collectors and operators.

Class & Prototype

The British Rail Class 08 diesel-electric shunter represents Britain's most numerous locomotive class with 996 built 1952-1962. Powered by the reliable English Electric 6KT diesel engine producing 350-400hp, these 0-6-0 yard locomotives continue working after seven decades, with 100-170 still in active service alongside 87 preserved examples. The Class 08's universal deployment across freight yards, passenger stations, and industrial sidings from 1953 to present makes it the most versatile British diesel for model railway layouts.

Operator & Livery

The English, Welsh & Scottish Railway (EWS) operated Britain's largest rail freight network from 1996-2007, controlling 90% of the UK freight market. Formed by Wisconsin Central through acquisition of five British Rail freight companies, EWS revolutionised British freight transport with 250 new General Motors Class 66 locomotives and distinctive maroon and gold livery featuring the famous "three beasties" logo. The company was acquired by Deutsche Bahn in 2007, eventually becoming today's DB Cargo UK while maintaining its freight market dominance.

The EWS maroon and gold livery was introduced in April 1996, with the first locomotive to receive the scheme being Class 37 number 37057, which emerged from Toton Depot on 25 April 1996 to coincide with the launch of the English, Welsh & Scottish brand. The colour specification featured maroon bodysides, roofs and ends with black underframes and buffer beams, standard UK yellow warning panels, and a distinctive gold stripe running centrally between the cab ends.

To ensure accurate colour consistency, a sample plate was flown from Wisconsin Central's American operations to Britain, where British paints were mixed to match this standard. Interestingly, when Class 66 and 67 locomotives were later built by General Motors, another sample plate was sent to the manufacturer, resulting in a slightly lighter shade than the original British mix.

The livery evolved through several variations. Early applications from April 1996 featured "EW&S" lettering (including the ampersand) in Arial typeface within the gold band. From January 1997, this was simplified to "EWS" with improved Gill Sans typeface - continuing a tradition established by the LNER in the 1920s and used by British Railways until the 1960s.

The gold band width varied by locomotive class - most received 600mm bands, but Classes 37, 58, and 73 looked better with 550mm bands due to their distinctive body shapes. Company lettering and locomotive numbers appeared in maroon within the gold stripe with 20mm clearance from the band edges, positioned at opposite ends on each side of the locomotive.

For model railway enthusiasts, specialist paint manufacturers like Phoenix Paints produce authentic colour matches, with their E.W.&S. Red (P193) and E.W.&S. Gold (P194) paints matched to original Wisconsin Central colour panels. Alternative options include RailMatch EWS Maroon (1255) which many modellers prefer for value and colour accuracy.

The EWS maroon and gold scheme became one of the most recognisable railway liveries in modern British history, remaining in use until Deutsche Bahn's acquisition in 2007 and the subsequent adoption of DB Schenker corporate red livery from 2009.