Bachmann Narrow Gauge wagons
SCALE ‘OO9’ gauge MODEL Bachmann Narrow Gauge 393-025 WDLR ambulance van No. LR7997, WDLR grey (weathered); Bachmann Narrow Gauge 393-050 WDLR Class D open wagon No. LR2571, WDLR grey (weathered) PRICES 393-025 (rrp) £36.95; 393-050 (rrp) £27.95 AVAILABIL
The ‘OO9’ revolution continues: last issue, we reviewed Heljan’s first model in the scale. Now, it’s Bachmann’s turn. Bachmann unveiled its plans for ‘OO9’ models in 2014. It was a logical choice, given that it has experience in a similar field with Liliput’s ‘HOE’ range. 2014 helped influence the choice as the nation marked the centenary of the start of the First World War. Bachmann played its part by launching its Baldwin ‘10-12-D’ project. But the 4-6-0PT needed some rolling stock to pull, so Bachmann also launched two War Department Light Railway wagons to go with it: the Class D bogie open and the bogie ambulance van. The two wagons are the first items of the newly branded Bachmann Narrow Gauge range to arrive. And they’ve both been worth the wait. The Class D was the final evolution of the WDLR open wagon and it became the standard design for the Western Front being built by numerous different manufacturers. Bachmann’s model looks great and compares well to drawings and photographs of survivors. Bodyside detail is beautifully moulded, even down to the door chains. The distinctive bogies are well captured, with the most striking feature being the tall handbrake standard (each bogie was individually hand-braked). Although there is a slight pizza cutter look to the wheels, they are spoked and the axles, with their pin-point ends, are free running. Bemo-style couplers are mounted in NEM pockets, which makes Bachmann’s models compatible with ‘OO9’ models from Peco. The weathered finish looks pretty good, with a very faint light brown finish over the grey. The WD lettering is neatly applied, although the minuscule worksplate, surprisingly, isn’t legible, even under a magnifier! The patch painting and graffiti are neat touches and convey the impression of a hard-working wartime vehicle. The only let-downs are the printed ticket holders on both sides. The ambulance van is an even more impressive model. It shares the same level of detail, the same excellent bogies and, if anything, an even better finish, as the Gloucester RCW worksplate is legible under a magnifier. The icing on the cake is the sliding side and end doors, something that is very rare, even in ‘OO’ gauge. In fact, it’s a struggle to recall if any post-2000 ready-to-run ‘N’ or ‘OO’ gauge wagon has this feature. It feels a remarkably robust system, even at such a small size. Opening the doors reveals a detailed interior, with racks of stretchers fixed to the walls. It’s almost worth the asking price alone! Recommended.