Bachmann 32-405

Tooling

Bachmann introduced a major upgrade to its British Rail Class 25 model in 2006 for the OO gauge Branchline range. This tooling represented a significant leap forward in accuracy and specification, addressing growing demand for high-detail, DCC-friendly models. It replaced the earlier 2003 version and incorporated refinements in body shape, mechanical design, and digital capability, setting a new benchmark for mid-2000s diesel models.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO gauge (1:76)
• Construction: Injection-moulded plastic bodyshell with diecast metal chassis for strength and weight
• Detailing: Factory-fitted handrails, lamp irons, etched side grilles, bufferbeam detail packs, pipework, flush glazing, and painted cab interiors with crew figures
• Sprung buffers for added realism
• Couplings: Tension-lock couplers in NEM pockets
• Minimum Radius: Second radius curves (approx. 438mm)

Mechanical & Electrical

• Drive: Centrally mounted can motor with twin flywheels driving all axles
• Pickups: All wheels for consistent current collection
• Weighting: Diecast chassis for improved traction
• Lighting: Directional headlights and tail lights, plus illuminated headcode panels
• Recommended running-in: Around one hour each direction at moderate speed

DCC Capability

DCC Ready with a 21-pin socket, offering improved flexibility for digital control and sound installation. Provision for a speaker was included, making sound upgrades straightforward.

Liveries Produced

• BR Green with early emblem (1948–1957)
• BR Green with late crest (1957–1972)
• BR Two-Tone Green variants
• BR Blue (1965–1990)
• Special editions including weathered finishes and named locomotives such as “Tamworth Castle”

Reviews & Commentary

The 2006 upgrade was praised for its improved body accuracy, finer detailing, and enhanced mechanical performance. Reviewers highlighted the smooth, powerful running characteristics and the inclusion of directional lighting as a major improvement. The adoption of a 21-pin DCC socket was considered forward-thinking, making sound installation easier than previous versions. Enthusiasts on forums and early social media described it as “a top-tier diesel model for its time,” with strong haulage capability and excellent finish. Some noted that while lighting and DCC features were advanced for the era, factory sound options were still limited compared to later standards.

Interesting Notes

• Represented multiple sub-classes including 25/1, 25/2, and 25/3 variants
• Body removal remained simple, aiding decoder and speaker installation
• Marked the transition to modern digital standards in Bachmann’s diesel range, paving the way for later sound-fitted releases

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.