Bachmann 32-028

Tooling

In 2004, Bachmann introduced an all-new Branchline OO-scale Class 20 model, replacing older tooling from other manufacturers. This was Bachmann’s first Class 20 in their range and represented a significant step forward in accuracy and detailing for this popular Type 1 locomotive.

Tooling Features

Scale & Construction: OO gauge (1:76); plastic body shell with separately fitted details; diecast chassis for strength and weight.
Detailing: Etched fan grills, wire handrails, lamp irons, bufferbeam detail, window wipers, sanding gear, battery boxes, footsteps, blackened wheels, and fully glazed cab windows with painted interior.
Couplings: Tension-lock couplings mounted in NEM pockets for easy replacement.

Mechanical & Electrical

Motor & Drive: Five-pole motor mounted centrally with all-wheel drive and pickups for smooth running.
Minimum Radius: Designed for second radius curves (approx. 438 mm).
Weighting: Diecast chassis provides good traction.
Lighting: Early releases had no working lights; later versions introduced directional lighting.
Assembly: Body secured to chassis with screws; additional detailing parts supplied in accessory packs.

DCC Capability

From launch, the model was DCC-ready using an 8-pin socket, allowing straightforward decoder installation. It was compatible with both analog and digital control systems.

Liveries Produced

The tooling supported a wide range of liveries, including:

• BR green (early and late crest)
• BR blue (disc and headcode box variants)
• Railfreight grey with red stripe
• Hunslet-Barclay livery
• Waterman Railways black
• Direct Rail Services (DRS) schemes
• Special and limited editions

Reviews & Commentary

The model was praised for its accurate proportions, fine detailing, and smooth running qualities. Reviewers highlighted the etched grills, separately fitted lamp irons, and realistic underframe detail. Some noted minor limitations such as the absence of lighting on early versions and occasional low-speed cogging.

Media and Social Media

Video reviews and forum discussions at the time welcomed the model as a major improvement over previous Class 20 offerings. Collectors particularly valued the variety of liveries and the inclusion of detailing packs for customization.

Other Interesting Notes

This tooling marked Bachmann’s first DCC-ready diesel locomotive in the Branchline range and set the standard for future releases. It remained in production until later retoolings in 2008 and 2021 introduced further refinements.

Class & Prototype

The BR Class 20 (English Electric Type 1) served British railways from 1957-2025 as one of the most successful diesel designs ever built. With 228 locomotives constructed 1957-1968, these distinctive single-cab "hood units" became famous for their reliable English Electric 8SVT 1,000 hp engines, characteristic nose-to-nose paired operation, and beloved "Chopper" exhaust sound. They worked cross-London freights, Yorkshire coal trains, MGR operations, and modern nuclear flask services. Outstanding models available from Bachmann (OO), Graham Farish (N), and Heljan (O) in liveries from BR Green through DRS Blue.

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.