Bachmann 31-926

Tooling

The Bachmann Branchline model of the GWR 2251 Class, commonly known as the Collett Goods, was first introduced in 1998. This tooling represented a significant upgrade over earlier Mainline and Replica Railways versions, offering improved accuracy and detail. The prototype locomotives, designed by Charles Collett and introduced in 1930, were versatile 0-6-0 tender engines used for light freight and secondary passenger duties across the GWR and later BR Western Region.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO gauge (1:76 scale).
• Construction: Ready-to-run plastic bodyshell with separately fitted details, metal chassis, and die-cast components for strength.
• Detailing: Accurate cab and boiler fittings, rivet detail, separately applied handrails, and prototypical Churchward or Collett tenders depending on version.
• Couplings: Standard tension-lock couplers in NEM pockets.

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor & Drive: Early versions (1998 tooling) featured a CAN motor with a smooth worm-and-gear drive to all driving wheels.
• Minimum Radius: Second radius curves (approx. 438 mm).
• Lighting: No factory-fitted lighting.
• Weighting: Die-cast chassis provided good traction for freight duties.

DCC Capability

• Initial 1998 releases were DCC compatible but not socketed, requiring hard-wiring for digital control.
• From 2007 onwards, the tooling was upgraded to include an 8-pin DCC socket, marketed as “DCC Ready.”

Liveries Produced

The tooling has appeared in a wide range of authentic liveries, including:

• GWR Green (pre-1947, including shirtbutton and post-war styles).
• BR Black with Early Emblem (circa 1949–1957).
• BR Lined Green with Late Crest (post-1957).

Reviews & Commentary

Upon release, the Bachmann 2251 was praised for its fine detailing and smooth running compared to earlier split-chassis models. Enthusiasts noted its accurate proportions and improved cab detail. Later DCC-ready versions were welcomed for easier digital conversion. Some early criticisms focused on limited cab interior detail and lack of factory weathering, which Bachmann addressed in later runs.

Media & Social Media

The model has featured in numerous YouTube reviews and running sessions, often highlighted for its reliability and suitability for branch line layouts. Preservation links, such as No. 3205 on the West Somerset Railway, have boosted its popularity among GWR modellers.

Interesting Notes

• The 2251 tooling bridged the gap between older split-chassis designs and modern DCC-ready standards in Bachmann’s range.
• Variants have included weathered finishes and different tender types to reflect prototype changes.

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.