Bachmann 32-402Z

Tooling

Bachmann released an upgraded British Rail Class 25 model in 2003 for its OO gauge Branchline range. This tooling replaced the earlier 2001 version and introduced refinements in accuracy and detailing. The upgrade reflected growing expectations for higher fidelity in ready-to-run models, offering improved body shape, finer details, and enhanced mechanical performance while remaining accessible to modellers.

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
• 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 an 8-pin socket and provision for a 28mm round speaker for sound installation. This made digital conversion straightforward for modellers adopting DCC control.

Liveries Produced

• BR Green with late crest (1957–1972)
• BR Blue (1965–1990)
• InterCity Executive (1980s)
• Special editions including “Tamworth Castle” and ETHEL generator conversions

Reviews & Commentary

The 2003 upgrade was widely regarded as a significant improvement over the 2001 tooling. Reviewers praised the accurate body profile, etched grilles, and separately applied details. Performance was noted as smooth and powerful, aided by the twin-flywheel drive. Directional lighting and headcode illumination were welcomed features, though some enthusiasts commented that the model lacked factory sound options and more advanced lighting control compared to later standards. Forum discussions and early online reviews often described it as “a solid, dependable runner” and “a big step forward for Bachmann diesels.”

Interesting Notes

• Represented multiple sub-classes including 25/1, 25/2, and 25/3 variants
• Body removal was simple, aiding decoder and speaker installation
• Set the stage for further refinements in 2006 with 21-pin DCC sockets and additional detail upgrades

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.