Bachmann 31-431

Tooling

Introduction & Context

In 2014, Bachmann Branchline introduced a completely new tooling for the Midland Railway Class 1F 0-6-0T, also known as the Johnson 1377 Class or “Half-Cab” tank engine. Originally built between 1878 and 1892 for the Midland Railway, these locomotives later served under LMS and BR ownership. The model was designed to capture the distinctive open cab and compact proportions of this classic shunting locomotive.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO gauge (1:76.2)
• Construction: Combination of die-cast metal chassis and injection-moulded plastic body for strength and fine detailing.
• Detailing: Factory-fitted handrails, turned brass safety valves and whistle, detailed cab interior with glazing, and optional bufferbeam detail pack. Open cab versions include a folded tarpaulin representation.
• Couplings: NEM pockets with tension-lock couplers.

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor & Drive: Smooth-running can motor mounted in the body, driving all three axles via a robust gear train.
• Minimum Radius: Second radius curves (approx. 18 inches / 450 mm).
• Weighting: Metal chassis provides good adhesion for shunting duties.
• Lighting: No factory lighting provision.

DCC Capability

The model is DCC Ready with a 6-pin NEM651 socket located in the bunker. All-wheel electrical pickup ensures reliable performance. Sound installation requires modification as no speaker provision is included.

Liveries Produced

The tooling has been released in multiple authentic liveries, including Midland Railway, LMS black, and BR black with early and late crests. Both open and closed cab variants have been offered.

Reviews & Commentary

The 2014 Bachmann 1F received positive reviews for its accurate proportions, fine detailing, and smooth running qualities. Model Rail and BRM praised the cab detail and the realistic finish on rods and wheels. Social media discussions highlighted its appeal for shunting layouts and its suitability for branch line scenes.

Interesting Notes

Aftermarket upgrades such as the Brassmasters EasiChas kit allow conversion to EM or P4 gauge, adding sprung suspension and correcting overscale splashers for finescale modellers.

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.

British Railways' plain black livery was designated specifically for freight and shunting locomotives from 1948, representing the most economical and practical finish for inherently dirty industrial machines. During the early nationalisation period, many locomotives were simply patch-painted over old company markings with black paint, which quickly weathered to match the existing finish as these engines were rarely cleaned. The "Lion and Wheel" emblem (nicknamed the "Cycling Lion") was introduced from December 1948 and applied to plain black locomotives from early 1949, featuring a lion standing over a large railway wheel with "British Railways" lettering across the centre.

The emblem was produced in three sizes and always faced forward, positioned centrally on tender sides or tank sides, with regional preferences evident—the Western Region favoured larger emblems whilst other regions used smaller versions. Plain black locomotives retained red buffer beams and received white "BRITISH RAILWAYS" lettering in Gill Sans style before the emblem's introduction. Some former company locomotives, particularly ex-GWR shunting engines, retained their original lettering well into the early 1960s as they didn't require renumbering and received minimal attention. This utilitarian livery remained standard for freight operations until the mid-1950s emblem change, making it essential for authentic early BR period modelling of goods yards, collieries, and industrial operations.