Bachmann 32-775

Tooling

In 2003, Bachmann Branchline introduced a new tooling for the iconic British Rail Class 37 in OO gauge (1:76 scale). This release marked a significant upgrade over earlier models, offering improved detailing and modern features to meet the expectations of contemporary modellers. The Class 37, known as the “Tractor” for its distinctive growl, was a versatile English Electric Type 3 diesel locomotive that served across the UK from the 1960s onwards. Bachmann’s 2003 tooling aimed to capture this legendary locomotive’s character with enhanced accuracy and functionality.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO gauge (1:76).
• Construction: Plastic bodyshell with diecast metal chassis for weight and stability.
• Detailing: Factory-fitted separate details including handrails, etched fan grilles, door handles, and bufferbeam detail packs. Sprung buffers and etched nameplates (supplied for fitting) were standard.
• Couplings: NEM pockets with tension-lock couplers.
• Variants: Tooling covered Class 37/4 and 37/5 bodyshells with centre or split headcodes.

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor: Five-pole motor with twin flywheels for smooth performance.
• Drive: All-wheel drive and all-wheel electrical pickup.
• Minimum Radius: Second radius curves (approx. 438mm).
• Lighting: Directional headlights and tail lights (analogue operation supported).
• Weighting: Integrated within the diecast chassis for improved adhesion.

DCC Capability

• DCC Ready with an 8-pin socket.
• Provision for a 20x40mm speaker for sound installation.

Liveries Produced

The 2003 tooling was offered in a wide range of liveries representing different eras and operators, including:

• BR Green with Late Crest (1957–1972)
• BR Large Logo Blue (1978–1994)
• InterCity (1980s)
• Railfreight Grey (including Red Stripe)
• Regional Railways
• Railfreight Distribution (RFD)
• Transrail
• EWS Maroon & Gold (Privatisation era)

Reviews & Commentary

The 2003 Class 37 was widely praised for its level of detail and robust performance. Enthusiasts highlighted the accurate body shape, fine etched components, and smooth running qualities. Directional lighting and sprung buffers were considered premium features at the time. Some criticism focused on the NEM coupling pockets being fixed to bogies, limiting close-coupling options. Overall, the model was regarded as one of the best representations of the Class 37 available before later retoolings.

Media & Social Media

Contemporary reviews in magazines and online forums described the model as “highly detailed and weighty,” capable of hauling long trains without traction tyres. YouTube reviews and enthusiast blogs from the period praised its slow-speed control and realistic appearance, cementing its popularity among diesel-era modellers.

Interesting Notes

• Limited editions were produced for collectors’ clubs and magazines, featuring weathered finishes and special nameplates.
• The tooling remained in production until the major retooling in 2006, which introduced a 21-pin DCC socket and further refinements.

Class & Prototype

The British Rail Class 37 is one of Britain's most successful diesel locomotive designs, with 309 locomotives built 1960-1965 by English Electric. Powered by the proven 12CSVT diesel engine producing 1,750 bhp, these Co-Co diesels served for 65 years on freight, passenger, and mixed-traffic duties across the entire BR network. Known as "Tractors" for their distinctive exhaust note, Class 37s worked everything from East Anglian expresses to West Highland Line services, Welsh coal trains, and nuclear flask operations. Extensive 1980s refurbishment created specialist subclasses including 37/4 ETH passenger variants, 37/5 freight, 37/7 heavy freight, and 37/6 Nightstar variants. Approximately 60 remain in mainline service with 30 preserved. Comprehensive OO gauge models available from Bachmann, Accurascale, and Hornby; N gauge from Graham Farish; O gauge from Heljan across extensive livery ranges spanning BR green through privatisation eras.

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.