Bachmann 31-336

Tooling

The Bachmann Branchline OO gauge Class 04 diesel-mechanical shunter was first introduced in 1997, marking a significant expansion of Bachmann’s small diesel shunter range. Built on a split-chassis platform derived from the earlier Class 03 tooling, this model offered an affordable and accessible option for enthusiasts seeking a classic industrial shunter for light-railway scenes.

Tooling Features

• Scale & Gauge: OO gauge (1:76 scale), faithful representation of the prototype.
• Construction & Detailing: Highly detailed injection-moulded body with separate handrails, cab fittings, and accurate ribbing on the sides. Some factory-fitted weathered versions featured paint blemishes that attracted minor aftermarket weathering upgrades.
• Chassis & Couplings: Employed a split chassis design common in late 1990s Branchline models. Built-in tension-lock style couplings; coupler pockets accepted NEM-compatible knuckle couplers with minor adjustments.

Mechanical & Electrical Features

• Motor & Drive: Traditional can-style motor driving through worm and gear set to a single axle, with pickup from all wheels.
• Minimum Radius: Suitable for layout curves as tight as standard OO second-radius track.
• Lighting: Factory-fitted incandescent cab and rear lights; direct-wired and not polarity-insensitive, prone to bulb burnout under modern wiring regimes.
• Weighting: Decent die-cast chassis provided moderate weight; some users added extra mass in the cab for smoother running.

DCC Capability

Originally released as DCC-incompatible—lacking decoder socket or wiring—users wishing to convert these models required hard-wiring decoders or retrofitting a 6-pin socket in the cab. Retrofit guides (such as those by Hookstone Models) show the feasibility of installing a linked 6-pin socket or board to support modern DCC decoders.

Liveries Produced

• BR Plain Black with early emblem and ‘112xx’ numbering
• BR Green with late crest and wasp stripes
• BR Blue with wasp stripes
• Factory weathered versions in Black, Green, and Blue

Reviews & Commentary

• YouTube Reviews: Many reviewers note the lack of NEM socket, basic lighting, and split chassis design, but praise the detail and low cost.
  One reviewer described the model as a “6/10” for a faithful weathered homage despite limited modern features.
• Budget Appeal: In hobby press and blogs, including a review by Jennifer Kirk, the 1997 Class 04 was singled out as one of the best affordable options from Bachmann—a reliable runner with solid detailing for the price.

Media & Social Media Feedback

• Discussions on RMweb/New Railway Modellers: Enthusiasts referenced the shared Class 03/04 1997 chassis and anticipated future reworkings for DCC and smoother motors.
• Conversion Guides: DIY tutorials by Hookstone Models and others show successful retrofits—adding 6-pin sockets to support plug-in decoders and minor re-gearing improvements.
• Maintenance Demos: Oorail’s video guide demonstrates easy access to gears and motors, reinforcing the model’s serviceable design ethos.

Interesting Notes

• The split-chassis concept, while cost-effective, was widely recognized as limiting DCC installation ease—fuelling Bachmann’s later decision to retool in 2013 for DCC readiness.
• Many modelers have enhanced realism through aftermarket weathering, new couplings, and smooth-running motor upgrades—a testament to the 1997 tooling’s flexibility.

Class & Prototype

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

British Rail (1965-1997) transformed Britain's railways through revolutionary modernisation, introducing the iconic double arrow logo, Rail Blue livery, and business sectorisation. BR pioneered high-speed rail with the InterCity 125 and Advanced Passenger Train, electrified major routes, and created profitable divisions like InterCity and Network SouthEast. From steam succession through diesel and electric development to privatisation preparation, British Rail's diverse locomotive fleet, multiple livery schemes, and operational scenarios provide unparalleled variety for railway modellers across all scales and periods.

BR Blue, also known as Rail Blue or Monastral Blue, was introduced in 1965 as part of British Rail's comprehensive corporate identity overhaul that accompanied the rebranding from British Railways to British Rail. The colour was officially defined by British Standards BR28/6001 (airless spray finish) and BR28/5321 (brush finish), representing a dark, greyish blue tone specifically chosen to hide dirt and weathering effects well.

The livery was prototyped on the experimental XP64 train in 1964 before becoming the standard scheme from 1 January 1965. Rail Blue was applied to all diesel and electric locomotives with yellow warning panels (initially small, then extending to full yellow ends from 1966). The standardised application included the iconic double arrow logo and Rail Alphabet typeface, creating one of the most successful transport corporate identities of the 20th century.

The livery dominated British Rail operations for over two decades until sectorisation in the 1980s began fragmenting the unified appearance. Despite initial colour fading problems in early applications, these were resolved by the late 1970s when the Large Logo variant was introduced featuring extended yellow areas and full-height double arrow symbols. Rail Blue's enduring appeal among railway enthusiasts reflects its role as the definitive British Rail image during the organisation's most unified period.