The latest news from the world of model railways.

Bachmann Europe has announced that it will be producing models of GBRF’S new Class 69 in both ‘OO’ gauge, under the Bachmann Branchline range, and ‘N’ gauge, under the Graham Farish range.

Converted from Class 56 locomotives by American company Progress Rail, the Class 69 features the same powerplant and many other mechanical and electrical features as the Class 66. The original Class 56 bogies, wheelsets and traction motors have been retained, following extensive overhaul.

Ten locomotives, with an option for six more at a later date, are being re-engineered for Gbrailfreight, to meet its growing motive power requirements. The first, 69001, had been undergoing tests for the past few months, before final painting and was officially unveiled on June 15 at Eastleigh Works. Carrying a special livery that incorporates the UK and US flags, symbolising the co-operation between our two countries over the centuries and the hybrid nature of the Class 69 project.

A further symbolic gesture was the choice of name for 69001: Mayflower. This was the name of the ship that carried pilgrims to America, to an area that would eventually become Massachusetts.

Bachmann’s managing director David Haarhaus has cited the close relationship Bachmann Europe has formed with GBRF during the ‘Pride of Britain’ train packs as one of the reasons this project has been so successful, and states that an additional model will be made, the profits from which will go to a charity of GBRF’S choosing.

More details, such as a release date and a price for the Class 69 will be released in due course.

For more about GBRF’S Class 69, see page 46.