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Bachmann 32-515Z

Derby Lightweight 2-Car BEMU 'Test Unit Gemini' BR RTC (Original)

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

Prototype Eras
Era 7 (1972 to 1982) British Rail Blue (TOPS)
Era 8 (1983 to 1994) British Rail Sectorisation

Manufacturer description

EXCLUSIVE TO RAILS OF SHEFFIELD

Derby Lightweight 2-Car DMU 'Test Unit Gemini' BR RTC (Original)

This model is based on Bachmann's original 2011 Derby lightweight DMU tooling. Our BEMU model is as close as possible to replicating this unique prototype as the tooling will allow.

Prototype History

The British Rail BEMU was an experimental two-car battery electric multiple unit (BEMU), converted from the prototype Derby Lightweight Diesel multiple units.

The train was powered by many lead-acid batteries , and was used on the Deeside Railway from Aberdeen to Ballater in Scotland from April 1958 until it was finally withdrawn in December 1966. The North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board initiated the design and was a joint sponsor. The board promised to supply power at three farthings per unit for a fixed two-year period. It provided an 11kV supply to a charger at Aberdeen's platform 1 and a 6.6kV supply to a charger at Ballater.

The train then spent a short time in storage at Inverurie Works, and at Hyndland Shed in Glasgow, before being transferred to departmental use as test train "Gemini" (or "Laboratory 16") for use at the Railway Technical Centre, at Derby. It lasted in this role until it was withdrawn in 1984, and was eventually bought for preservation at the proposed West Yorkshire Transport Museum , where it was returned to working order.

The museum placed it on loan to the East Lancashire Railway in 1994 where, after asbestos was removed and the batteries refurbished, it was used on some services until 2000. After the museum went into liquidation, the unit was purchased by the Royal Deeside Railway near Crathes, in 2001. It is now back in Scotland, where it is undergoing refurbishment.

(Information provided via Wikipedia)

Catalogue listing

Model details

Bachmann Derby Lightweight 2‑Car BEMU ‘Test Unit Gemini’ is a limited‑edition model released exclusively through Rails of Sheffield. It carries the manufacturer part number 32‑515Z and represents the British Rail Blue (TOPS) period.

The model is produced from Bachmann’s original 2011 Derby lightweight DMU tooling and seeks to replicate the unique prototype as closely as the tooling permits.

The prototype was an experimental two‑car battery electric multiple unit (BEMU) derived from the Derby Lightweight diesel multiple units. It operated on the Deeside Railway between Aberdeen and Ballater from April 1958 until December 1966, being powered by lead‑acid batteries supplied with electricity by the North of Scotland Hydro‑Electric Board at three farthings per unit. Charging was provided via an 11 kV supply at Aberdeen platform 1 and a 6.6 kV supply at Ballater.

After withdrawal the unit entered departmental service as the test train “Gemini” at the Railway Technical Centre, Derby, until 1984. It was later preserved, loaned to the East Lancashire Railway (1994‑2000) following asbestos removal and battery refurbishment, and purchased by the Royal Deeside Railway in 2001. The unit is currently undergoing refurbishment in Scotland.