Bachmann 30-750

Tooling

The Great Western Railway (GWR) 6959 ‘Modified Hall’ Class was introduced in 1944 as a development of the Hall Class by Frederick Hawksworth. Bachmann’s OO gauge model of the Modified Hall entered the market in the mid-1990s, using tooling originally created by Replica Railways around 1990. This tooling represented a significant step forward in UK RTR steam locomotive standards at the time, offering improved detailing compared to earlier Mainline and Airfix designs.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO gauge (1:76) for 16.5mm track.
• Construction: Injection-moulded plastic bodyshell with diecast chassis components.
• Detailing: Factory-fitted handrails, smokebox door detail, cab glazing, and basic cab interior. Brake rigging and pipework were moulded rather than separately fitted on early runs.
• Couplings: Standard tension-lock couplers mounted directly to the chassis (no NEM pockets on this tooling).

Mechanical & Electrical

• Chassis: Split-frame design typical of early Bachmann tooling.
• Motor & Drive: 3-pole can motor mounted in the chassis, driving the locomotive wheels via a gear train.
• Pickups: Electrical pickup from driving wheels only.
• Minimum Radius: Recommended second radius (approx. 438–450mm).
• Weighting: Internal weights in boiler and chassis for traction.
• Lighting: No factory lighting provision.

DCC Capability

The 1990s tooling was not DCC-ready. Its split-chassis design makes conversion possible but complex, requiring isolation of the motor and rewiring. This was widely regarded as a weak point for digital control adoption.

Liveries Produced

Bachmann issued a range of authentic liveries during the 1990s production runs, including:

• GWR Lined Green (Era 3)
• BR Lined Black with Early Emblem (Era 4)
• BR Lined Green with Early Emblem (Era 4)
• BR Lined Green with Late Crest (Era 5)

Reviews & Commentary

At launch, the model was praised for its smooth running and improved finish compared to earlier Replica releases. However, enthusiasts noted limitations in fine detail and the complexity of DCC conversion. Over time, axle muff splitting became a known issue, requiring repairs. Despite these drawbacks, the model was considered a reliable performer for layouts of the period and remains fondly remembered by collectors.

Interesting Notes

• The tooling lineage from Replica Railways to Bachmann illustrates the transitional era in UK RTR steam models during the 1990s.
• Later Bachmann runs using this tooling sometimes included minor refinements, but the core split-chassis design remained unchanged until the 2012 retool.

Class & Prototype

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

The Great Western Railway (1835-1947) was Britain's most innovative railway company, engineered by Isambard Kingdom Brunel with his revolutionary 7ft ¼in broad gauge system. Known affectionately as "God's Wonderful Railway" and the "Holiday Line," the GWR connected London Paddington with the West Country, Wales, and Birmingham through 3,800 miles of superbly engineered routes.

Renowned for its Brunswick green locomotives, chocolate and cream carriages, and engineering excellence centred at Swindon Works, the GWR pioneered advanced steam technology under chief mechanical engineers Daniel Gooch, George Jackson Churchward, and Charles Collett. The company's legendary locomotive classes—including Castle, King, Hall, and Manor—established performance standards that influenced British locomotive design for decades.

The only "Big Four" railway to retain its original identity through the 1921 grouping, the GWR maintained its distinctive corporate culture until nationalisation in 1947. Today, the company's engineering legacy lives on through extensive preservation efforts, heritage railways, and detailed model railway recreations that celebrate the finest traditions of British steam railway operation.