Bachmann 32-578

Tooling

Bachmann Branchline introduced its LMS Ivatt Class 4 2-6-0 model in 2005, representing the mixed-traffic ‘Mogul’ locomotives designed by H.G. Ivatt for the LMS and later BR. The prototype was built between 1947 and 1952 and became a versatile workhorse across the network. Bachmann’s tooling aimed to deliver a highly detailed OO gauge rendition for enthusiasts seeking accuracy and reliability.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO gauge (1:76).
• Construction: Combination of plastic and metal components for durability and weight.
• Detailing: Factory-fitted separate parts including handrails, injector pipework, lamp irons, tablet catcher equipment, tender ladder, and turned brass safety valves and whistle. Cab interior fully detailed with glazing.
• Finish: Chemically blackened wheels and fluted connecting rods with an oily finish for realism.
• Couplings: NEM pockets with tension-lock couplers; cosmetic hooks supplied.

Mechanical & Electrical

• Drive: Loco-driven mechanism with a 3-pole motor located in the locomotive body.
• Pickups: On driving wheels only; 2-rail DC operation.
• Minimum Radius: Recommended Radius 2 (approx. 18 inches).
• Weighting: Integrated within chassis for improved adhesion.
• Working Features: Functional roof vent; sprung front bogie for smooth running.

DCC Capability

• DCC Ready with 8-pin socket.
• No factory provision for sound speaker; sound installation requires modification.

Liveries Produced

• LMS Black (pre-nationalisation).
• BR Plain Black.
• BR Black with Early Emblem.
• BR Black with Late Crest.
• BR Lined Black variations, including weathered and limited editions.

Reviews & Commentary

Initial reviews praised the model’s fine detailing and accurate proportions, particularly the cab and tender features. Performance was generally smooth, with good slow-speed control and adequate haulage for typical layouts. Criticism focused on limited space for DCC sound installation and occasional tightness when removing the body for decoder fitting. Enthusiasts noted that the model runs best on curves larger than the minimum recommended radius for visual realism.

Media & Social Media

The Ivatt Class 4 tooling has featured in numerous YouTube reviews and running sessions, often highlighted for its authentic appearance and reliable mechanism. Collectors appreciate the breadth of liveries and occasional limited editions, making it a popular choice for LMS and BR-era layouts.

Interesting Notes

• The prototype locomotives were nicknamed “Mucky Ducks” and “Flying Pigs,” a heritage reflected in enthusiast discussions.
• Despite being nearly two decades old, the tooling remains competitive thanks to its strong detailing and robust design.

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' lined black livery was designated for mixed-traffic and secondary passenger locomotives from 1949, following pure LNWR style with black base colour and elaborate red, cream (off-white), and grey lining patterns. The lining specification comprised 5/8" grey, 1/8" cream, 1½" black, and ¼" red bands, with the layout consistent with LNWR practice including deep and shallow valances lined along bottom edges only, unlike green engines. The first lined black engines appeared in August 1948 when Hall 5954 appeared so painted, becoming one of the first to carry the "Lion and Wheel" emblem around the same time.

A wide range of engines was eligible for this livery, from powerful V2s and Counties down to tiny Southern Terriers, encompassing County, Hall, Grange, Manor, Saint, Prairie tanks, and numerous pre-grouping designs of varied shapes and sizes. This created many variations and interpretation problems due to the diverse locomotive types involved, with regional differences in splasher lining treatment—the Eastern Region used red-only splasher lining, whilst the Southern Region evolved from inset to edge lining styles. The emblem was positioned centrally on tender sides above the middle axle box, with the Western Region favouring larger sizes on tenders and bigger tank engines. An interesting period detail saw number plates routinely painted red from late 1949 to early 1952, adding colour contrast to the otherwise black scheme. This livery represented BR's commitment to standardising mixed-traffic operations whilst maintaining the decorative traditions that distinguished passenger-rated locomotives from plain freight engines.