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Bachmann 31-885SF

MR 3835 (4F) with Johnson-Deeley Tender 3850 LMS Black (MR Numerals)

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

Prototype Era
Era 3 (1923 to 1947) The Big Four (LNER, LMS, GWR and SR)

Manufacturer description

The LMS 4F was seen as the ultimate development of the humble 0-6-0 tender locomotive, and the Bachmann Branchline model is a faithful OO Scale replica of this iconic type. The 4F was borne by the Midland Railway (MR) and this Branchline model depicts a locomotive in service with the MR’s predecessors, the London, Midland & Scottish Railway (LMS). Coupled to a Johnson-Deeley Tender which is adorned with large MR-style numbers, the only indicator of the loco’s new owners is the small LMS lettering on the cabside.

The 4Fs were simple yet beautiful machines and the Branchline model pays homage to that with high fidelity mouldings for the main components like the smokebox, boiler, firebox and cab, which are all mounted on a diecast metal running plate. Countless separate detailing parts are then added like the metal handrails, turned brass safety valves, lamp irons and lubricators. Sprung metal buffers are fitted to both bufferbeams.

The locomotive’s diecast chassis is enhanced with brake blocks, brake rigging and sandboxes with separate wire sandpipes, whilst between the frames a representation of the inside motion is present. This attention to detail extends to the tender, while the tender drawbar is adjustable to suit individual layout conditions and electrical connections are incorporated into the drawbar.

Look inside the cab and you will find a sublime level of detail; the boiler backhead boasts an array of separately fitted pipework, controls and dials, all of which are enhanced further with bespoke decoration. A poseable fallplate is fitted to the rear of the cab to complete the look.

The black colour scheme may not seem like the most difficult livery to replicate but the usual care and attention that you expect from Bachmann Branchline has been employed to ensure that the paint finish is rich and consistent throughout. Details like the running number, plates and plaques are then added using precision printing techniques for full authenticity.

The Branchline 4F runs as well as it looks thanks to a power full three pole motor and diecast metal gearbox. The locomotive driving wheels run in separate metal bearings and all six driving wheels are equipped with electrical pickups, tender pickups are included too. Meanwhile, with SOUND FITTED this model is ready to run on analogue and DCC systems and will provide a range of authentic sound effects to bring another level of realism to your model railway.

 

MODEL FEATURES:

• Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
• Era 3
• Pristine LMS Black livery
• Running No. 3850
• Johnson-Deeley Tender
• Tall Chimney with Capuchon
• Ramsbottom Safety Valves
• Fluted Connecting Rods
• Powerful 3 Pole Motor
• Tender Pick-ups
• Adjustable Tender Drawbar
• NEM Coupling Pockets
• Sprung Buffers
• Accessory Pack
• Speaker Fitted
• SOUND FITTED – Fitted with a ESU Loksound V5DCC 21 Pin DCC Sound Decoder
• Length 221mm (over couplings)

 

MIDLAND 3835 CLASS HISTORY

Designed by Henry Fowler for the Midland Railway (MR), the 3835 Class was first introduced in 1911. Construction of these 0-6-0 freight locomotives was shared between the Midland Railway’s Derby Works and outside contractor Armstrong Whitworth, with 197 examples built by 1922; 192 for the Midland Railway and five for the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway (S&DJR).

After the Grouping in 1923, the London Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) inherited all 192 locomotives from the MR (and later the five S&DJR examples when it absorbed that company in 1930) and gave the locos the designation Class 4F. The LMS commenced construction of further 4Fs, much to the same design as the 3835 Class, although the LMS-built locos were left hand drive whereas the original Midland machines were right hand drive.

The 4F was seen as the ultimate development of the 0-6-0 tender locomotive and the type epitomised the British goods engine. The LMS went on to build 575 examples between 1924 and 1941 and all of them, plus the 197 Midland-built locos, entered BR stock following Nationalisation in 1948.

Withdrawals did not commence until 1954, with the 3835 Class all gone by 1965 (the last 4Fs would survive only a year longer), however one MR-built locomotive has survived into preservation, No. 43924. No. 43924 is also notable as being the first locomotive to leave the Woodham Brothers Scrapyard in Barry, South Wales, when it departed in September 1968 for its new home at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway where the loco is still based today.

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 Branchline OO‑scale model of the Midland Railway 3835 (LMS Class 4F) locomotive, paired with a Johnson‑Deeley tender carrying the MR‑style number 3850 in LMS black livery. The model is supplied with a fitted ESU Loksound V5DCC 21‑pin DCC sound decoder and is ready for operation on both analogue and digital command control (DCC) layouts.

The locomotive features a die‑cast metal chassis and running plate, with high‑fidelity mouldings of the smokebox, boiler, firebox and cab. Detail parts such as metal handrails, turned brass safety valves, lamp irons and lubricators are added, and the cab interior includes separately fitted pipework, controls and a poseable fallplate. The tender incorporates an adjustable drawbar, integrated electrical pickups and NEM coupling pockets, and both locomotive and tender have sprung metal buffers.

Technical specifications include a powerful three‑pole motor driving a die‑cast metal gearbox, separate metal bearings for each driving wheel, and electrical pickups on all six driving wheels as well as on the tender. Additional features are Ramsbottom safety valves, a tall chimney with capuchon, fluted connecting rods, and a length of 221 mm measured over the couplings.

The 3835 class was designed by Henry Fowler for the Midland Railway and introduced in 1911. After the 1923 Grouping the locomotives became LMS Class 4F, with further builds continuing until 1941. All were withdrawn by 1965, although one example, No. 43924, was rescued from the Woodham Brothers scrapyard in September 1968 and now resides on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.