Bachmann 32-401

Tooling

Bachmann introduced its first British Rail Class 25 diesel-electric locomotive in OO gauge in 2001. This model represented a significant step forward from earlier offerings by other manufacturers, providing modellers with a more accurate and detailed rendition of the Sulzer Type 2 locomotive, widely known as the “Rat.” The tooling catered to the popularity of the Class 25 among enthusiasts of 1960s–1980s British Rail operations.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO gauge (1:76)
• Construction: Injection-moulded plastic bodyshell with diecast metal chassis for weight and stability
• Detailing: Separate handrails, lamp irons, etched side grilles, bufferbeam detail packs, painted cab interiors with crew figures, flush glazing, chemically blackened wheels
• 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 reliable current collection
• Weighting: Integrated diecast chassis for improved adhesion
• Lighting: Illuminated headcode panels (non-directional on DC)
• 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 upgrades. This was a notable feature at the time, making conversion straightforward for digital control.

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 such as D7672 “Tamworth Castle” in Two-Tone Green

Reviews & Commentary

The 2001 Class 25 was praised for its weight, smooth running, and improved detailing compared to older models. Reviewers highlighted the accurate bodyshell shape and separately fitted parts, though some noted limitations in lighting and the absence of factory sound options (common for the era). Enthusiasts on forums and early social media regarded it as a “go-anywhere workhorse” suitable for mixed-traffic layouts. Video reviews and later retrospectives often describe it as one of Bachmann’s better early diesel models, with strong haulage capability and reliable performance.

Interesting Notes

• Tooling represented primarily Class 25/3 variants, identifiable by roof vent arrangements
• Body removal was simple, aiding decoder installation
• Set a benchmark for mid-range OO gauge diesels in the early 2000s, preceding later retoolings in 2003 and 2006

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.