Bachmann 32-326DS

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 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.