Tag Archives: 45 T Ransomes and Rapier steam crane

The Bachmann 45t Ransomes and Rapier steam crane arrives on the quay

Bachmann announced back in March 2015 they we to produce the 45T Ransomes and Rapier Steam Breakdown Crane based on the two that were supplied (procured by the Government) to the Southern Railway, four to the Great Western Railway and a further two to the Ministry of Supply /  LNER under wartime conditions in 1940. These impressive models have now hit the retailers and can be seen in this post recovering a derailed B4 0-4-0t on Canute Road Quay.

The Bachamm 45T Ransomes and Rapier crane comes to the aid of a B4 at Canute Canute Road Quay!

The design was based on the 36T cranes supplied to the Southern Railway in 1937 with a modified carriage to suit the increased capacity.
The two supplied to the Southern Railway were numbered 1560S (later British Railway numbers DS1560 and ADRR95209) and 1561S (DS1561 and ADRR95210).

The B4 Driver looks either worried, concerned or relieved to see the crane

Number 1561S is preserved and is currently located on the Swanage Railway. The two Southern Railway cranes were prior to nationalisation based at Guildford / Nine Elms and Feltham.

Bachmann have initially produced four versions in SR (38-800), GWR (38-801), BR (38-802) black liveries and a version in BR Red livery (38-803).

An overhead view of the Ransomes and Rapier crane complete with Jib Runner. The Cab roof and chimney are in the lowered position for transit

The models incorporate the variations in the prototypes such as Jib Runner details, tool boxes (additional ones as per the SR version), open (as per the SR versions) and closed frame Relieving Bogies and chimneys.

A further view of the complete 45T crane

The model is certainly impressive, and in my eyes is worth the approx £250 price tag and is by a country mile the best ready to run rail mounted crane yet produced for the UK market. It comes fully rigged and tensioned and whilst it is manual operation it can be fully posed with a range of moving parts.

A closer view of the main crane carriage showing the level of detail. All the gears rotate and the piston rod and flywheel move when raising and lowering the hook

The jig and hook can be raised and lowered with all the gearing moving, the piston and linkage and flywheel rotates when raising and lowering the hook, the crane body can be swung through 360 degrees, the outriggers pulled out form the chassis, the cab roof raised and chimney positioned for use or stowed when travelling.

Another view of the Crane Carriage

The jib and hook operation is via a neat key that is inserted into the rear of the cab / boiler, having first removed the circular ‘manhole doors’ using the magnet on the opposite end of the key. It should be noted that these ‘manhole doors’ are not washout plugs, as stated in some reviews, but allowed access to the water space above the boiler tubes and to one end of the tubeplate.

A view of the cab / boiler rear , the two ‘Doors’ that are removed using the magnet end of the Key to allow operation of the job and the hook

Tension lock couplings are fitted in NEM pockets to the outer ends of the two Relieving Bogies and both ends of the Jib Runner. Accessories are provided to be fitted if required such as vacuum pipes and screw link couplings , should the tension lock coupling not be required. As well as the operating key a separate cab access ladder (removed when travelling), spreader bar and a set of exquisite etched brass painted nameplates (and there are a lot) to be fitted over the fine printed versions on the model if required.

A final view of the 45T crane about to re rail the B4 tank

My pictures left show, of course, the SR version, on Canute Road Quay, it must have been visiting the area for some other reason, it is also likely to appear on Fisherton Sarum, again it must have been visiting for some reason as the crane allocated to Salisbury was in fact a 36t version, but my rule one applies.

Whilst not perhaps fully practical for full operation or powered (imagine the costs if it were) it is certainly a beautiful model and will provide  hours of fun especially for a range of photo shoots. Well done Bachmann!

 

Bachmann and Graham Farish 2019 catalogues launched, a round up from an SR / BR(s) perspective [Updated]

The 2019 Bachmann Branchline and Graham Farish Catalogues were launched today at a trade event held in London. Alongside the announcement of a small number of new-tooling projects, mainly wagons in 00 and N gauges the 009 range increases with new tooling for the delightful and minuscule  Baguley-Drewry 70hp Diesel 0-4-0 shunter,  as used since the early 1980s by the Royal Naval Armaments Depot, along with 4 suitable wagons.
Although no new tooling specifically for SR / BR(s) modellers have been announced as many previously  announced models are still under development such as the 64ft Bulleid coaches, a host of new models utilising existing tooling were unveiled.

Bachmann Europe advised that with a changing retail climate and increased competition across multiple sectors, 2018 proved to be a challenging, but ultimately still a successful year for Bachmann Europe, culminating in the release of several key products during the final quarter. These of course included the lovely 00 scale ex LBSC H1 and H2 4-4-2 Atlantics.  Bachmann Europe also stated that despite the closure of one of the production facilities operated by their parent company, Kader,  the new facilities in China (Gaobu) that were in the process of being commissioned during 2018, are now fully operational with staffing levels and output continuing to rise.

Bachmann Branchlines 00 Gauge

The only new 00 gauge tooling is that of the HKA bogie hopper wagon seen on the current network since 1995 and these will be released three livery variants, with plug in buffers to be adaptable between inner and outer wagons within rakes.

  • 38-036 HKA Bogie Hopper ‘National Power’ – weathered
  • 38-037 HKA Bogie Hopper ‘National Power’ (De-Branded) – weathered
  • 38-038 HKA Bogie Hopper DB Schenker

The new livery releases base on existing tolling of SR / BR(s) interest are as follows:

  • 31-460A SE&CR C Class 583 SE&CR Lined Green (Original)
  • 32-956 BR Standard 4MT with BR1B Tender 76066 BR Lined Black (Late Crest) – weathered
  • 31-520SF Class 159 3-Car DMU 159013 BR Network SouthEast (Revised) – SOUND FITTED
  • 31-236A Class 205 DEMU 1121 BR (SR) Green (Small Yellow Panels) – weathered
  • 31-238A Class 205 DEMU 1122 BR Blue – weathered
  • 31-239A Class 205 DEMU 205001 BR Network SouthEast (Revised) – weathered
  • 31-381 Class 416 2-EPB 2-Car EMU 6262 BR Blue & Grey – weathered
  • 31-426C Class 411 4-CEP 4-Car EMU 7122 BR (SR) Green (Small Yellow Panels)
  • 31-427C Class 411 4-CEP 4-Car EMU 7106 BR Blue & Grey – weathered
  • 31-265A Class 419 MLV S68002 BR (SR) Green
  • 31-267A Class 419 MLV S68008 BR Blue & Green

Coaches

  • 39-604 SE&CR 60ft Birdcage Brake Composite Lavatory SE&CR Wellington Brown
  • 39-614 SE&CR 60ft Birdcage Composite Lavatory SE&CR Wellington Brown
  • 39-624 SE&CR 60ft Birdcage Brake Third SE&CR Wellington Brown
  • 39-526A SR PMV Parcels & Miscellaneous Van BR Crimson

Wagons

  • 37-935 3 Plank Wagon SR Brown
  • 38-081C SR 12T 2+2 Planked Ventilated Van BR Grey (Early) – weathered
  • 38-082D SR 12T 2+2 Planked Ventilated Van BR Bauxite (Early) – weathered
  • 38-076D SR 12T Plywood Ventilated Van BR Bauxite (Early)
  • 38-401B SR 25T ‘Pill Box’ Brake Van Left-Hand Duckets BR Grey (Early) – weathered
  • 38-077 SR 12T Plywood Ventilated Van BR Bauxite (Late) – weathered
  • 38-402B SR 25T ‘Pill Box’ Brake Van Right-Hand Duckets BR Bauxite (Early) – weathered

and in 009

  • 391-032 Baldwin 10-12-D Tank E763 ‘Sid’ SR Maunsell Green
  • 393-030 Bogie Covered Goods Wagon SR Insulated

Graham Farish N Gauge

New tooling in the Graham Farish range includes the WD 40T ‘Parrot’ bogie wagon in WD department and LMS grey liveries and also, as per in  00, the HKA bogie hopper wagon in the three livery versions.  The British Railways Class 5 MT 4-6-0 has been upgraded to include for the fitting of Sound with options of a fully sound fitted version or just a factory fitted speaker. The sound upgrade has also been applied to the Class 14, Class 60, Class 101 DMU and Class 150 DMU.

  • 372-727A BR Standard 5MT with BR1B Tender 73109 BR Lined Black (Early Emblem)
  • 372-728SF BR Standard 5MT with BR1 Tender 73049 BR Lined Green (Late Crest) – SOUND FITTED
  • 372-729 BR Standard 5MT with BR1 Tender 73050 BR Lined Black (Late Crest) – weathered

The new livery releases base on existing tolling of SR / BR(s) interest are as follows:

  • 372-936 SE&CR N Class 1860 SR Black (Sunshine)
  • 371-606 Class 42 ‘Warship’ D820 ‘Grenville’ BR Green (Late Crest)
  • 371-600B Class 42 ‘Warship’ D809 ‘Champion’ BR Maroon (Small Yellow Panels)
  • 371-601B Class 42 ‘Warship’ 812 ‘The Royal Naval Reserve 1859-1959’ BR Blue
  • 371-680 Class 220 4-Car DEMU 220018 ‘Dorset Voyager’ Virgin Trains (Revised)

Coaches

  • 374-418 SR PLV Passenger Luggage Van SR Maunsell Green
  • 374-011C BR Mk1 TSO Tourist Second Open BR (SR) Green
  • 374-010E BR Mk1 TSO Tourist Second Open BR Crimson & Cream
  • 374-815A BR Mk1 FO First Open BR Crimson & Cream
  • 374-160A BR Mk1 FK First Corridor BR Crimson & Cream
  • 374-632A SR Bogie B Luggage Van BR Blue – weathered
  • 374-419 SR CCT Covered Carriage Truck BR Departmental Olive Green

Wagons

  • 377-875A SR 25T ‘Queen Mary’ Brake Van SR Brown
  • 377-852A SR 25T ‘Pill Box’ Brake Van BR Grey (Early)
  • 377-876A SR 25T ‘Queen Mary’ Brake Van BR Bauxite (Late)
  • 377-878 SR 25T ‘Queen Mary’ Brake Van BR Departmental Olive Green

Work in progress

In the Drawing Office

  • Bulleid Coaches (00)
  • Class 410 / 4Bep (00)
  • Class 450 (N)
  • Class 319 (N)

Engineering Samples

  • Class 414 / 2Hap (00) [Due Q4]
  • Class 117 (00) [Due Q4]

Artwork (and due to be in production this year)

  • Class 159 (00) [Due Q4]
  • Ransomes & Rapier 45T Steam Crane (00) [Due Q3]
  • ex SECR C CLass 0-6-0 (N) [Due Q2]
  • ex SECR Birdcage coaches (N) [Due Q1]

The full range can be found on  the Bachmann website here. Many will consider this appearing to be a lean year for Bachmann Europe especially when compared to the 2019 range announcement made by Hornby last week, however with much work in progress from previous announcements still to appear this is perhaps hardly surprising and sensible especially in light of the factory upheaval experienced during 2018.

 

 

 

Bachmann and Graham Farish – SR related product updates July 2017

The Bachmann Europe team met up this week with the model trade press to update the market on the latest developments and progress, a full report can be found on the RmWeb forum here and I take this opportunity to update on those items of a Southern / Southern Region interest. As in previous years at this Media day no new product  announcements were made. All images on this post are copyright and courtesy of Andy York / BRM and or Bachmann Europe.

Firstly, in 00 gauge the relevant SR updates from Bachmann are as follows:

The impressive SECR livery sample of the 60′ birdcage stock

Since the London festival of model railways where I reported on the ex South Eastern and Chatham Railway (SECR) 60′ Birdcage stock BR Crimson livery sample being shown, the livery samples for the SECR

The SECR 60′ composite livery sample

and SR Olive Green versions have now been received and signed off. I have to say the decoration and lining look extremely fine and

The other SECR brake 3rd livery sample

well done. The SECR dark lake version in particular is very impressive and must be a first  such accurate and highly detailed ready to run rolling stock for the pre-grouping era . Delivery is expected in September.

SR livery sample of the ex SECR 60′ Birdcage stock

The first releases will comprise of the following:
39-600 SECR 60’ Birdcage Brake Composite SECR Dark Lake

SR Composite livery sample

39-601 SECR 60’ Birdcage Brake Composite SR Olive Green
39-602 SECR 60’ Birdcage Brake Composite BR Vermillion
39-610 SECR 60’ Birdcage Composite SECR Dark Lake
39-611 SECR 60’ Birdcage Composite SR Olive Green

ex SECR Brake 3rd in SR livery

39-612 SECR 60’ Birdcage Composite BR Vermillion
39-620 SECR 60’ Birdcage Brake 3rd SECR Dark Lake
39-621 SECR 60’ Birdcage Brake 3rd SR Olive Green
39-622 SECR 60’ Birdcage Brake 3rd BR Vermillion

Bachmann H2 Class CADs

The ex London Brighton and South Coast H2 class Marsh Atlantic 4-4-2 announced in September 2013  is being delayed by another 3 months as an issue with the curvature of the rear splashers was identified and a decision made to address that so it is likely to be around February/March 2018 when they are finally released. The CAD drawings can be seen left.
Two versions are due for initial release:
31-921 – 32424 “Beachy Head” BR Black Early Emblem
31-920 – 2426 ‘St. Albans Head” SR Olive Green

Bachmann Ransomes and Rapier 45T steam crane CADS

Bachmann first announced the 45T Ransomes and Rapier steam crane in March 2015. They were introduced by a number of railway companies, including the Southern Railway, during the war and some lasted into the 1980s.

A further CAD view of the 45T steam crane

The impressive CAD artwork is shown left, not all the gear wheels will work but some items such as the outriggers will be positionable.
Initially they are producing four versions:
38-800 SR livery,
38-801 GWR Livery
38-802 BR black livery
38-803 BR red livery

Lastly from a Graham Farish  perspective there is an update on the N gauge version of the ex SECR 60ft Birdcage stock and also the ex SECR C class 0-6-0.

Graham Farish C Class 0-6-0 CADS

Firstly the ex SECR C Class 0-6-0 that was announced in January this year is now at the CAD stage as per the image left. The model will feature a NEXT 18 DCC decoder socket, coreless motor, loco drive, fine cab detail and NEM couplers, the initial release will comprise of:
372-775 C Class 0-6-0 No. 271 in SECR plain green livery
372-776 C Class 0-6-0 No. 1256 Southern Railway Black livery
372-777 C Class 0-6-0 No. 31227 in BR Black livery with early emblem

Graham Farish EP of the N Gauge 60′ Birdcage stock

The first EP samples of the 60′ Birdcage stock were on show, they were first announced in July 2014,  and these are likely to be available in the second quarter of 2018. The initial releases will be sold as three coach sets, as follows:
374-910  60′ Birdcage Stock – 3-Pack – SECR Wellington Brown
374-911  60′ Birdcage Stock – 3-Pack – SR Olive Green
374-912 60′ Birdcage Stock – 3-Pack – BR Vermillion

Good to see further progress being made on the above items. As any additional information comes to light I will post accordingly.

Bachmann update and first pictures of the ex SECR 60′ Birdcage stock, updated 06/08/16

The Bachmann Europe team met up this week with the model trade press to update the market on the latest developments and progress, a full report can be found on the RmWeb forum here and I take this opportunity to update ion those items of a Southern / Southern Region interest. Although no new announcements were made  it was indicated that the next catalogue and product announcements are likely to take place  earlier next year, probably at some point in January. Although Bachmann have experienced delays in both the design and production arenas over the last couple of years tit is good news that they appear to starting to catch up a bit during the last twelve months or so of consolidation as had been previously promised.

The 1st EP of the ex SECR 60′ Birdcage Brake composite (Dia 2432). Picture Copyright and courtesy A York/Bachmann
The item of most interest for Southern modellers was the first images of the first Engineering Prototypes (EP) for the ex SECR 60′ Birdcage stock Trio ‘C’ 30 sets, (SR set Nos 567-570, 575-589,  602-5 and 612-8) announced back in March 2013. These compriise of aBrake Composite to SR Diagram 162, a Composite to SR Diagram 315 and Brake Third to SR Diagram 160. These sets pretty much remained intact throughout their lives until withdrawal between 1956 and 1958.

1st EP Ex SECR 60′ Birdcage stock composite (Dia 2315) . Picture Copyright and courtesy A York/Bachamnn
As can be seen from the pictures, copyright and courtesy of Andy York and Bachmann, the first impressions are very favourable with a high level of detail, although I have not had the chance to see them up close and in the flesh (plastic) yet.

Ex SECR 60′ Brake Third EP (Dia 2431). Picture Copyright and courtesy A York/Bachmann
Also the ex LBSC H2 class Atlantic, announced even earlier in August 2013, has now also progressed to tooling for the engineering Prototypes and we hope to see these EPs soon.

Delivery of both the Birdcage stock and the H2 Atlantic is expected in May 2017.

 

The Model Rail ref MR-102 USA Tank as No 68 in SR livery. Picture copyright and courtesy Kernow Model Centre
The SR / BR(s) USA 0-6-0 tanks being produced by Bachmann for Model Rail magazine are imminent to arrive at Bachmann’s Barwell HQ, before being shipped to the Kernow Model Centre for orders to be despatched, this could take a few weeks to complete due to the shear column of orders so be patient.

The South West Trains class 450 Desiro 3rd rail units, based on tooling changes to the previously released 350 class units are now ready to enter production although delivery was stated as being likely to be February 2017,  while the class 414 2 Hap units announced earlier this year are still at the design stage. Although announced back in march 2015 along with the Class 450, the 45 ton Ransomes and Rapier steam crane is still at the design stage prior to CAD work taking place, so is some way off yet.

Keep an eye on this blog in the next week or so for further updates on both released and imminent Southern / Southern Region relevant models form other manufacturers.

Workbench Witterings #1 A 45T steam crane and a green Van ‘B’

As promised a few posts ago when I first opened the box on my Wild Boar Models  45T Ransomes and Rapier Steam Breakdown Crane I thought it was about time I started “a whats on my workbench” type series of posts, so welcome to the first of my “Workbench Witterings“. I am sure I am similar to many modellers in that I have a large number of both unstarted and or unfinished projects on the go,  so hopefully this series of posts might encourage me to actually get on with completing a few of the outstanding things currently on the go…

The Wild Boar Models 45T Ransomes and Rapier SR steam crane is nearly complete, just the rigging to go. I have modelled number 1561S

First up then is progress on the above mentioned 45T steam crane. Following the comprehensive instructions for this kit has been pretty easy and all the parts, a mix of 3D printed and brass etchings have good together really well and enabled painting to commence. Where the parts needed to simply clip in place or be held with brass wire acting as hinge pins such as between the weight relieving trucks and the main carriage or the crane body and the jib the they have done so very easily. The rest of the items including the etched brass detailing parts such as handwheels and cast name and information plates have been attached with superglue. The components were then primed using the the trusted Halfords plastic primer rattle can and then top coat brush painted using Humbrol matt 32 to represent the SR Grey livery as first carried by  the SR steam cranes before they became black in early British Railways days. I took the opportunity last week to give her a test run on the High Wycombe and District MRS test track and all was fine, although a little additional weight has now been added to the underside of the main carriage truck. All that is needed to complete is the rigging from the fine cotton supplied as part of the kit.

The Hornby Van B is now in malachhite green as number 231. I have also replaced the roof ventilators with white metal castings.

Secondly is the repaint of a Hornby Bogie Van B from its original blue livery to malachite green, embarrassingly looking back at this blog post here I actually started this at the end of last year! Before reassembling the Van B I took the opportunity to replace Hornby’s representation of the roof vents. Although these are separate mouldings  I felt they looked a little flat so replaced them with some suitable cast white metal ventilators from my coaching stock bits box (but I think there were originally obtained from Southern Pride Models) and then repainted the roof. She now awaits some weathering before she enters my operational fleet on Fisherton Sarum.

Now to kick off / complete a few more projects so watch this space…

 

 

 

 

 

45T Ransomes & Rapier Steam Breakdown Crane 3D printed kit from Wild Boar Models

Wild Boar Models develop and produce a number of 3D printed 4mm scale kits including a 45T Ransomes and Rapier Steam Breakdown Crane based on the two that were supplied (procured by the Government) to the Southern Railway, four to the Great Western Railway and a further two to the Ministry of Supply /  LNER under wartime conditions in 1940. The kit has been made possible by the evolving technology of 3D printing. The kit was available, and indeed I purchased mine, before the Bachmann announcement last month, reported here,  that they intend to also produce a Ransomes and Rapier 45T Steam Breakdown Crane, although Bachmann have not fully started the development of their model so the actual versions they intend to produce is not yet known.

Front cover of the excellent instruction book

The design was based on the 36T cranes supplied to the Southern Railway in 1937 with a modified carriage to suit the increased capacity.
The two supplied to the Southern Railway were numbered 1560S (later British Railway numbers DS1560 and ADRR95209) and 1561S (DS1561 and ADRR95210). Number 1561S is preserved and is currently located on the Swanage Railway.
The two Southern Railway cranes were prior to nationalisation based at Guildford / Nine Elms and Feltham, the crane allocated at Salisbury was in fact a 36T version, so not totally correct for Fisherton Sarum but will hopefully make appearances nevertheless.

The impressively and well thought out kit and supplied box

The kit, although at first glace might seem a little pricey at £167 (including Post and Packing) impressively contains everything that you need as in addition to the 3D printed parts it includes wheels, bearings, sprung buffers, wire, etched plates and detail parts and even the cord for the rigging. NEM coupling pockets are provided along with tension lock couplings that can be fitted if required.

The comprehensive instruction booklet

Also included is an excellent, professionally produced and printed instruction manual with prototype information including pictures, very step by step instructions and diagrams. It has the feel of the excellent instructions provided within LEGO Technic kits of my childhood. Even the box with a machine cut foam insert for all the parts, including a pre-cut area to locate and protect the completed model, is very impressive and well thought out.

An example off the parts supplied with the kit

As with most 3D printed parts at the moment there is some cleaning up to be carried out  due to the linear printing process, but they have designed the kit to minimise the impact of this. I intend to post details of this kit build as I progress on a proposed new blog section “Workbench Witterings” so what this space.

Further details on the prototype cranes that this kit is based on can be found on the excellent website of the Breakdown Crane Association and also within Peter Tatlow’s excellent book “Railway Breakdown Cranes, the story of breakdown cranes on the railways of Britain volume 2” ISBN 978-1-906419-97-4

 

Bachmann 2015/16 range announcements include Class 450 EMU and 45T Ransomes and Rapier steam crane (updated)

Bachmann Europe Plc. have today, back in its usual March timing after last years change to July to coincide with the 25th Anniversary celebrations, announced their plans for the next 18 months, or so,  for both the Bachmann Branchlines (00) and Graham Farish (N) brands. They also provided updates on the current work in progress. I outline below the couple of items of Southern / Southern Region interest, the highlights of which are the release of a Class 450 Desiro EMU and a 45T Ransomes and Rapier Steam Crane.

Bachmann also advised that following a couple of difficult years 2015 will also be a year of consolidation to catch up with previously announced models. They also confirmed that they dropped their initial plans to release an ex LSWR/SR S15 Class (and an ex LNER J50 class tank) following Hornby’s announcement last December. It is noted that neither a Merchant Navy or 00 upgrades to the Bulleid coaches have been announced. 

 
Bachmann 00 gauge

Class 450 EMU Picture courtesy Bachmann

The class 450 EMU, based on the previously released 350 EMU model will be released in both pristine (31-040) and weathered (31-041) South West Trains Liveries.

45t Ransomes and Rapier steam crane, picture courtesy Bachmann and copyright Colour-Rail

The 45 ton Ransomes and Rapier steam crane were introduced by a number of railway companies, including the Southern Railway, during the war and some lasted into the 1980s. Initially they are producing four versions in SR (38-800), GWR (38-801), BR (38-802) black liveries and a version in BR Red livery (38-803) This model will be available during 2016 and ultimately the intention is that versions will be produced with an element of DCC control to the movements.

Other announcements include: GWR 94xx and LNER J72 tanks and a Class 70/8 in Colas livery complete with correct revised air ducts and boxes. The LNER V2 is also being upgraded with completely new body tooling (some of which of course were drafted onto the Southern Region in 1952).

Other livery releases include:

  • 31-375A Class 416 2 Car EMU No. 5764 in BR Blue (Weathered)
  • 31-379 2EPB 2 Car EMU No. 5771 in BR Green
  • 31-425C 4CEP 4 Car EMU No. 7106 in BR (SR) Green
  • 31-426B 4CEP e Car EMU No.7122 in BR (SR) Green
  • 33-827C SR Queen Mary 25T Brake Van SR Brown 
  • 37-067 5 Plank Wooden Floor Wagon SR Brown
  • 37-090 7 Plank End Door Wagon SR Brown
  • 38-400A SR Pill Box Brake Van SR Brown
  • 38-404A SR Pill Box Brake Van BR Departmental Olive Green (weathered)
  • 39-053F BR MK1 Second Open (SO) in BR (S) Green 
  • 39-153D BR MK1 First Corridor (FK) in BR (S) Green
  • 39-228D BR MK1 Brake Corridor Composite (BCK) in BR (S) Green
  • 39-262B BR MK1 Miniature Buffet (RMB) in BR (S) Green

Bachmann 00 gauge work in progress 

 The E4 tanks are in transit to the UK with the H2 Atlantics still at the development stage. Livery samples have now been received for the PMV and CCT utility vans. The Ex SECR Birdcage stock is still in the drawing office as further research takes place. 

Graham Farish N gauge

Graham Farish Queen Mary brake van picture courtesy of Bachmann

The only item of Southern interest from a Graham Farish point of view is the release in the main catalogue of the Queen Mary brake vans (previously a limited edition) in 3 versions SR brown with post 1936 livery (377-875), BR Bauxite (377-876) and EWS Livery (377-877). 

Other livery releases include:

  • 374-051D BR MK1 Corridor Second (SK) in BR (S) Green
  • 374-083A BR MK1 Brake Corridor Composite (BCK) in BR (S) Green
  • 374-991 Bulleid Three Coach Set in BR (SR) Green
  • 377-0897 Plank End Door Wagon SR Brown

Graham Farish N work in progress 

Both the Merchant Navy pacifics and the N class locomotives are currently in production. The 12t Vent vans are in transit and livery samples of the Bogie B luggage van are being reviewed.

An honest approach from Bachmann this year concentrating on catching up with previsoulsy announced models. There was also a discussion on pricing, with confirmation that prices will continue to rise but will still be under the price of comparative models being supplied into the European market. 

Full details can be found on the Bachmann website