Bachmann 31-591A

Class 70 with Air Intake Modifications 70811 Colas Rail Freight

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

Prototype Eras
Era 9 (1995 to 2004) Initial Privatisation
Era 10 (2005 to 2015) Rebuilding of the Railways

Manufacturer description

The Class 70 Diesel Locomotive returns to the Bachmann Branchline range in the stunning yellow, orange and black colour scheme of Colas Rail Freight. Carrying the running number 70811, this locomotive sports the air intake modifications undertaken after the first Class 70s were delivered to Freightliner, but which were incorporated into the locomotives ordered by Colas as they were built – the distinguishing feature of these modifications being the air boxes mounted prominently on each side of the body, below the cooler fans.

This Bachmann Branchline model captures the unique looks of the Class 70 to a tee and is adorned with numerous separately fitted detail parts, including dozens of metal handrails fitted around the cabs and to the bodyside panels. The vibrant livery really brings the model to life, the striking tri-colour scheme is littered with logos and safety warnings, and we’ve spared no expense in capturing this stunning livery and the myriad associated printed details to bring this current day locomotive to your model railway.

 

MODEL FEATURES:

 

CLASS 70 HISTORY

On 26th November 2007, Freightliner UK and General Electric announced Project Genesis, later re-named PowerHaul, to design and develop a new Co-Co freight locomotive for the British rail network – the Class 70. Construction of the first modules for the PowerHaul locomotives took place in various locations across the world, for instance the bogie frames were manufactured in Austria and delivered to the GE plant in Pennsylvania for final assembly. The locomotive’s design is similar to that of the BR Class 58, with a narrow body bookended by two cabs which are accessed from walkways on the narrow part of the body – similar to many American diesel locomotive designs.

When introduced, the Class 70 dethroned the Class 59 as having the highest tractive effort of any Co-Co diesel operating in the UK. Designed to be powerful yet more fuel-efficient than older types, the Class 70 has a top speed of 75mph (120 km/h), which the 129 tonne machine achieves from its 2,750 kW (3,690 bhp) engine.

The first Class 70s arrived in the UK in November 2009 as part of Freightliner’s initial order for twenty locomotives. An option for a further ten locomotives was not taken up by Freightliner, but instead Colas Rail Freight took over this order and their first Class 70 entered service in 2014. Colas subsequently ordered seven more locos, with all of the Colas fleet being numbered in the 708xx series.

Catalogue listing

Brand
Bachmann
Range
Branchline
Product Code
31-591A
GTIN
803393058135
RRP
£249.95
Catalogue
Summer 2023
Release date
August 2023

Model details

Based on preserved
No
Tooling date
2011
Livery
Yellow & Orange
DCC status
DCC Ready 21 pin socket
Motor
5 pole & twin flywheel
Coupling
NEM
Finish
Pristine
Scale
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale)
Chassis construction
Plastic & metal
Coupling mount
NEM pockets
Passenger figures
No
Minimum radius
Radius 2
Coupling type
Tension lock
Features
Interior lighting
Directional lighting
Pickup in tender

Prototype information

In service until
Present
Builder
General Electric
Locomotive type
Diesel-Electric
Operated by
Freightliner
Colas Rail
Tractive effort
120,000 lbf (Starting)
Power output
3,690 bhp
Main duties
Heavy Freight
Build dates
2008 - 2017
Total built
37
Top speed
75mph
Locomotive class*
British Rail Class 70
Motive power
Diesel

* 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.

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Bachmann's OO scale model of the Class 70 diesel locomotive is the latest addition to their Branchline range. This locomotive, number 70811, is finished in the Colas Rail Freight livery and features air intake modifications, which include air boxes mounted on either side of the body.

The model is a faithful representation of the real-life locomotive, with numerous separately fitted details, including metal handrails and a vibrant livery with various logos and safety warnings. The model is DCC ready, with a 21-pin socket and a powerful 5-pole motor with twin flywheels.

Key features of the model include a detailed and decorated cab interior, directional lighting, and interior cab lighting, which can be controlled via chassis-mounted switches or a DCC system. The model also includes a sprung buffer and a 21-pin DCC decoder socket, making it easy to upgrade to a speaker and enhance the overall sound experience.

The Class 70 is a real-life diesel locomotive that was introduced in 2009 by Freightliner, with Colas Rail Freight taking over the order in 2014. The locomotive has a top speed of 75mph and is powered by a 2,750 kW engine. This model is a great addition to any model railway, capturing the unique looks of the Class 70 in a stunning livery.

The model is part of Bachmann's Branchline range, which is aimed at providing high-quality, accurate models of modern British locomotives. The model is suitable for Era 9, which represents the modern railway scene in the UK.

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