Bachmann 32-002A

Tooling

Announced in 2005, Bachmann’s tooling for the Great Western Railway (GWR) 49XX ‘Hall’ Class represented a significant upgrade in OO gauge steam locomotive modelling. The Hall Class, designed by Charles Collett in the 1920s, was a mixed-traffic workhorse of the GWR and later British Railways, making it a popular choice for modellers. Bachmann’s release aimed to deliver high fidelity detailing and modern mechanical standards for enthusiasts seeking authenticity and reliability.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO gauge (1:76)
• Construction: High-fidelity plastic bodyshell with separately fitted metal details; metal running plate; authentic copper chimney cap
• Detailing: Separate handrails, lamp irons, steam pipes, splashers; detailed cab interior with glazed windows and decorated backhead; brake rigging and sandpipes included
• Tender: Collett design with separately fitted handrails, brake handle, water scoop; brake rigging present
• Couplings: NEM pockets with tension-lock couplers; adjustable tender drawbar
• Buffers: Sprung buffers on locomotive and tender

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor: Powerful 3-pole can motor located in the locomotive
• Drive: Loco-driven wheels with electrical pickup from all six driving wheels
• Minimum Radius: Second radius (approx. 438 mm)
• Weighting: Internal chassis weights for adhesion
• Lighting: No factory lighting provision

DCC Capability

• DCC Ready with 8-pin socket (recommended decoder: Bachmann 36-566A)
• No factory sound or speaker provision

Liveries Produced

The tooling has supported a wide range of authentic liveries across GWR and BR eras, including:

• GWR Lined Green with “Great Crest Western” branding
• BR Green (early and late crests)
• BR Black (early and late emblems)
• Special editions and weathered variants

Reviews & Commentary

The Bachmann Hall Class has been praised for its accurate proportions, fine detailing, and smooth running. Community feedback on forums such as RMweb generally favours Bachmann over competing models for its fidelity and reliability. YouTube showcases and retailer reviews highlight its strong haulage capability and excellent finish, though some note the absence of factory lighting and sound as a limitation for modern DCC layouts.

Interesting Notes

• Etched nameplates and numberplates supplied for optional fitment
• Accessory pack included with additional detailing parts
• Models based on preserved prototypes, enhancing appeal for heritage layouts

Bachmann's Description & Specifications

The GWR 49XX Hall Class was one of the Great Western Railway’s (GWR) most successful mixed traffic steam locomotives, making it a fitting subject for this Bachmann Branchline OO Scale model. A high level of detail is exhibited throughout the Branchline model, starting with the metal running plate onto which separate components like the steam pipes, splashers and metal lamp brackets are fitted. The boiler, firebox and cab are all high fidelity plastic mouldings, sporting separate metal handrails and handrail knobs, whilst an authentic copper cap is fitted to the chimney. Inside the cab, separate glazing is employed and the detailed boiler backhead is finished with appropriate decoration to the various controls, pipes and gauges.

Below the running plate and the 4-6-0 wheel formation is reproduced authentically, with metal valve gear and separate metal sandpipes along with sandboxes – brake rigging is included too. Powered by a 3 pole motor, electrical pickup comes from all six driving wheels and the locomotive to tender drawbar is adjustable to suit different running conditions. Talking of the tender the version modelled is a detailed rendition of the prototype, with handrails, brake handle, water scoop and operating handle all added separately, and again brake rigging is included. Sprung buffers can be found on both the locomotive and tender.

The livery is applied to the model in all its glory to an exceptional standard, utilising authentic colours, typefaces and logos to really bring this Hall Class locomotive to life. Nameplates and numberplates are printed on the model, with etched versions of each supplied with every model for optional fitment.

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.

British Railways' lined black livery was designated for mixed-traffic and secondary passenger locomotives from 1949, following pure LNWR style with black base colour and elaborate red, cream (off-white), and grey lining patterns. The lining specification comprised 5/8" grey, 1/8" cream, 1½" black, and ¼" red bands, with the layout consistent with LNWR practice including deep and shallow valances lined along bottom edges only, unlike green engines. The first lined black engines appeared in August 1948 when Hall 5954 appeared so painted, becoming one of the first to carry the "Lion and Wheel" emblem around the same time.

A wide range of engines was eligible for this livery, from powerful V2s and Counties down to tiny Southern Terriers, encompassing County, Hall, Grange, Manor, Saint, Prairie tanks, and numerous pre-grouping designs of varied shapes and sizes. This created many variations and interpretation problems due to the diverse locomotive types involved, with regional differences in splasher lining treatment—the Eastern Region used red-only splasher lining, whilst the Southern Region evolved from inset to edge lining styles. The emblem was positioned centrally on tender sides above the middle axle box, with the Western Region favouring larger sizes on tenders and bigger tank engines. An interesting period detail saw number plates routinely painted red from late 1949 to early 1952, adding colour contrast to the otherwise black scheme. This livery represented BR's commitment to standardising mixed-traffic operations whilst maintaining the decorative traditions that distinguished passenger-rated locomotives from plain freight engines.