Bachmann steel‑bodied bogie Third coach

◆ SCALE ‘OO9’ ◆ MODEL Bachmann 394-002 Steel-bodied bogie Third coach ◆ PRICE £44.95 ◆ AVAILABILITY Bachmann stockists

The continued expansion of ready-to-run ‘OO9’ is most welcome and will solve space problems for many would-be layout builders. With authentic locomotives from Heljan and Bachmann both available and planned, the possibilities for prototypical Uk-outline narrow gauge using the wealth of scenery and accessories available in 4mm:1ft scale have never been better.

However, in regular ‘OO’ gauge we’re already seeing the escalating costs of tooling rolling stock lead to compromises, with the arrival of ‘generic’ pre-grouping coaches. Just as the prospect of authentic ‘OO9’ arrives, with Bachmann producing some fine ‘WD’ wagons to accompany the Baldwin 4-6-0T, instead of an appropriate Ashover coach (for instance), we have this steel-bodied bogie Third which had me immediately checking its parentage.

It is, of course, a 3.5mm:1ft Zillertahlbahn coach originally produced by Liliput in what is known as ‘HOE’ scale in Europe. The Zillertahlbahn is an Austrian narrow gauge system which is currently investigating the use of hydrogen power to replace diesel traction. It also has a steamhauled heritage operation for which older style stock is used. It is this stock which is represented by the Liliput model. Though the Welshpool & Llanfair Railway uses some former Zillertahlbahn stock, gifted to it many years ago, these are open verandah vehicles while the recessed vestibule doors of the Bachmann model betray its European heritage. While not a model of anything that ran in the UK it is, perhaps, most closely reminiscent of some Vale of Rheidol enclosed stock. Indeed, the dark green livery of the sample enhances that impression as the VOR stock wore dark green in the mid-1960s.

The model scales around 34ft in length and runs on two 4ft wheelbase diamond-frame bogies. These are plastic mouldings fitted with plastic wheels on pin-point metal axles. They are very free-running.

European hook-and-loop couplers, which are the norm for ‘OO9’, are attached to the bogies, which pivot freely to allow the model to negotiate some sharp radii.

The neatly moulded body represents a flush steel-bodied vehicle with some finely riveted strips at waist level and around the windows. The interior depicts six seating bays with a toilet cubicle at one end. The end vestibules have gangway doors to allow staff to move between carriages and these are neatly represented and glazed. An etched metal gate is fitted over the door and the flexible handrail is also represented.

The coach is very nicely finished in matt dark green with fine ‘gold’ lined waist panels and Third Class markings on the doors, plus the large number ‘5’, but there is no other lettering, to allow its use on freelance ‘OO9’ layouts.

All in all, it is a nice little model that will be welcomed by many ‘OO9’ modellers, but at just a couple of pounds less than Peco’s British-made Lynton & Barnstaple coaches it seems a tad expensive for a reliveried re-release of a model that has been around for a while. (CJL)