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Bachmann 31-239A

Class 205 2-Car DEMU 205001 BR Network SouthEast (Revised)

Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI images rather than photographs

Prototype Era
Era 8 (1983 to 1994) British Rail Sectorisation

Manufacturer description

Class 205 DEMU 205001 BR Network South East (Revised)

Highlights:

• Accessory-pack
• Weathered
• Interior and directional lighting

History

The British Rail Class 205 (or 2H) diesel-electric multiple units were built by BR at Eastleigh from 1957 to 1962, and in service with BR and its successors for 47 years from Southern Region to the Southern franchise. They were eventually replaced by Class 171 Turbostar units.

This class of unit was built in four different batches for use on different lines. They gained the nickname 'Thumpers' after the noise they made while in motion.

The first batch of units was built in 1957 as two-car units and classified as 2H. They were built for services in Hampshire on the non-electrified routes between Portsmouth Harbour, Salisbury and Andover and between Alton, Winchester and Southampton. The 205s are synonymous with travelling away from the third-rail in rural areas of the Southern Region, South Central Division network and have a passionate following among enthusiasts.

Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

^* Class names often change over the lifespan of a locomotive, so this is not necessarily the class name used by the operator in the period modelled.

Bachmann Class 205 2‑Car DEMU (model 205001) represents a weathered British Rail Class 205 electro‑diesel multiple‑unit in the Network SouthEast livery of red, white and blue. The kit is built to a 2019 range, measures 540 mm in length and is DCC ready with a 21‑pin socket. It includes directional and interior lighting, and is capable of running on a minimum curve radius of 438 mm (second radius).

The model reproduces a two‑car unit built in 1957, originally classed as 2H, with a maximum speed of 75 mph and wheel arrangement for a 2‑car set. It carries the British Rail running number 205001 and is supplied with the manufacturer part number 31‑239A.

The Class 205 units, nicknamed “Thumpers”, served the Southern Region from 1957 until their replacement by Class 171 Turbostar units, operating on non‑electrified routes in Hampshire and surrounding areas. This revised version reflects the British Rail sectorisation era.