Bachmann 32-381

Tooling

In 2006, Bachmann Branchline unveiled a major upgrade to its British Rail Class 37 tooling in OO gauge (1:76 scale). This retooling replaced the 2003 version and introduced significant improvements in accuracy, detailing, and technology. The Class 37, an English Electric Type 3 diesel locomotive, remained a favourite among enthusiasts, and Bachmann’s new tooling aimed to set a benchmark for modern ready-to-run diesel models.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO gauge (1:76).
• Construction: Plastic bodyshell with diecast metal chassis for strength and weight.
• Detailing: Highly detailed bodyshell with factory-fitted separate parts including handrails, lamp irons, jumper cables, etched fan grilles, radio aerials, and bufferbeam detail packs. Sprung metal buffers were standard.
• Cab & Interior: Fully detailed and painted cab interiors with crew figures and legible placards.
• Couplings: NEM pockets with tension-lock couplers.
• Variants: Tooling covered multiple subclasses including Class 37/0 (split and centre headcode), 37/4, and 37/5.

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor: Five-pole motor with twin flywheels for smooth, powerful performance.
• Drive: All-wheel drive and electrical pickup from all wheels.
• Minimum Radius: Second radius curves (approx. 438mm).
• Lighting: Directional headlights and tail lights, plus cab lighting on DCC. Analogue operation supports basic directional lighting.
• Weighting: Integrated diecast chassis for excellent adhesion and haulage.

DCC Capability

• DCC Ready with a 21-pin socket.
• Provision for a 20x40mm speaker for sound installation.
• Factory sound-fitted versions available using Zimo decoders, with advanced sound projects and lighting control.

Liveries Produced

The 2006 tooling was released in a wide range of authentic liveries across multiple eras, including:

• BR Green with Late Crest (1957–1972)
• BR Blue (1965–1990)
• BR Large Logo Blue (1978–1994)
• Regional Railways (1986–2000)
• Railfreight Triple Grey (Sectorisation era)
• Civil Engineers “Dutch”
• Transrail
• EWS Maroon & Gold
• Direct Rail Services (DRS)
• Network Rail Yellow

Reviews & Commentary

The 2006 upgrade was widely acclaimed for its improved fidelity and technical specification. Reviewers praised the accurate body shape, fine etched details, and robust mechanism. The addition of cab lighting and a 21-pin DCC socket was considered a major step forward. Performance was described as smooth and powerful, with excellent slow-speed control. Some enthusiasts noted that while the model was highly detailed, the price point was higher than previous releases, sparking debate when compared to emerging competitors.

Media & Social Media

Model railway forums and YouTube reviews highlighted the model’s exceptional finish, lighting features, and sound options. The introduction of sound-fitted and deluxe variants with motorised fans and tinted glazing generated significant interest among collectors and operators. Social media commentary often compared the Bachmann model favourably against rivals, citing its reliability and detailing as standout features.

Interesting Notes

• Sound-fitted deluxe versions included motorised radiator fans and tinted windscreen glazing for added realism.
• The tooling remained in production for many years and formed the basis for later enhancements and special editions.

Class & Prototype

The British Rail Class 37 is one of Britain's most successful diesel locomotive designs, with 309 locomotives built 1960-1965 by English Electric. Powered by the proven 12CSVT diesel engine producing 1,750 bhp, these Co-Co diesels served for 65 years on freight, passenger, and mixed-traffic duties across the entire BR network. Known as "Tractors" for their distinctive exhaust note, Class 37s worked everything from East Anglian expresses to West Highland Line services, Welsh coal trains, and nuclear flask operations. Extensive 1980s refurbishment created specialist subclasses including 37/4 ETH passenger variants, 37/5 freight, 37/7 heavy freight, and 37/6 Nightstar variants. Approximately 60 remain in mainline service with 30 preserved. Comprehensive OO gauge models available from Bachmann, Accurascale, and Hornby; N gauge from Graham Farish; O gauge from Heljan across extensive livery ranges spanning BR green through privatisation eras.

No prototype found.

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.