Bachmann 31-676A

Tooling

Announced in 2012, Bachmann’s British Rail Class 85 marked the company’s first UK-outline AC electric locomotive in OO gauge. The prototype Class 85, originally designated AL5, was built between 1961 and 1964 for the electrification of the West Coast Main Line. Bachmann’s decision to produce this model filled a long-standing gap in the market for accurate AC electrics, following mixed reception of earlier models from other manufacturers.

Tooling Features

• Construction: Combination of plastic and metal components for durability and weight.
• Detailing: Factory-fitted separate details including handrails, bufferbeam detail, roof-mounted electrical equipment, Stone Faiveley AMBR pantograph, window wipers, and fully detailed cab interior.
• Couplings: NEM pockets with tension-lock couplers; cosmetic screwlink couplings supplied in accessory pack.
• Buffers: Sprung metal buffers.

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor & Drive: Centrally mounted motor driving all axles via a gear train.
• Lighting: Directional headlights and tail lights, plus cab lighting.
• Weighting: Integrated into chassis for smooth running and traction.

DCC Capability

• DCC Ready with a 21-pin socket.
• Provision for sound installation with speaker connections on PCB.
• Lighting functions controllable via decoder (F0 for headlights/tail lights, F1 for cab lights).

Liveries Produced

• BR Electric Blue (early condition).
• BR Blue (TOPS era).
• Railfreight Distribution triple grey (limited edition).
• Weathered variants of BR Blue.

Reviews & Commentary

The model was widely praised for its accurate body shape, fine detailing, and exceptional roof equipment, particularly the pantograph which was considered superior to previous offerings. Running performance was reported as smooth and reliable. Minor criticisms focused on pantograph adjustment and calls for finer-scale grilles in future reissues. Enthusiasts on RMweb and YouTube highlighted its appeal as an essential addition for West Coast Main Line layouts, with many fitting sound decoders for enhanced realism.

Interesting Notes

• The tooling included poseable pantographs and etched cab emblems.
• Accessory packs provided additional detailing parts for bufferbeams and pipework.
• The model was considered a turning point for AC electric representation in OO gauge.

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.