Bachmann 32-778

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 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.