New tool for the Bachmann Class 20
THE spring 2021 programme from Bachmann contained the welcome news of a brand new ‘OO' gauge model of the standard Class 20, replacing an older model with more up-to-date tooling and electronics.
It is not much of a surprise after the recent revealing of the Class 20/3 model which was reviewed in the last issue of Rail Express Modeller. Both train reporting disc and centre headcode box locomotives are modelled in several liveries. They are likely to share the same new drive as the new Class 20/3 together with advanced lighting enabled through a multi-pole decoder interface which will also include built-in speaker connections for simple sound installation.
Three liveries are schedued for release this spring with No. D8015 in BR green with discs; BR blue with discs as No. 20057 and Railfreight grey No. 20227 with headcode boxes.
Bachmann has indicated that the models have already been manufactured after 18 months' of development.
Analogue versions are priced at £179.95 and digital sound equipped at £279.95. Digital sound versions of the Harry Needle Railroad Company
The highly detailed and successful Class 121 now comes fitted with digital sound in three liveries including revised Network SouthEast, BR blue and grey together with BR green. and DRS Class 20/3s are also being released.
Re-issued models include three versions of the successful Class 121 with digital sound (£269.95); a split headcode box Class 45 in BR blue as
No. 45060 Sherwood Forester with the analogue version priced at £159.95 and digital sound versions of the new Class 24/1 in three liveries priced at £279.95.
Contemporary modellers are not left out, with a single Class 66 being offered in DB Cargo livery as No. 66100 Armistice 100 1918-2018 with digital sound for £259.95 and analogue for £159.95.
‘OO' gauge rollingstock is thin on the ground with only a single wagon of interest – a china clay hood with TOPS markings and weathering for £22.95. Members of the Bachmann Collectors Club can avail themselves of the latest club special edition model which is a Mk.1 ‘SuperBG' decorated in EWS maroon and gold as No. 94538 priced at £58.95.
‘N' gauge modellers have one Graham Farish locomotive to look forward to in the spring releases: GBRf Class 66 No. 66783 The Flying Dustman dressed in Biffa livery for £149.95. Two wagons and one coach are also included: a BR maroon Mk.1 Restaurant Unclassified (RU) (£42.95), a slope sided 16t mineral wagon (£18.95) and WD Bogie Bolster B in BR grey based on the ‘Parrot wagon (£39.95). No announcements under the EFE Rail range were made. www.bachmann.co.uk
New ‘OO’ gauge toolings for the standard Class 20 have been in development by Bachmann for the last 18 months with three new models set for imminent release including a BR green version as No. D8015 and No. 20227 in Railfreight grey with centre headcode boxes.
Class 24/1 models are now equipped with digital sound including banger blue No. 24137.