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Bachmann 32-755A

Class 57/3 57314 Arriva Trains Wales (Revised)

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

Highlights:

• Accessory-pack including etched nameplates where named
• Directional and cab interior lighting
• Cab front details appropriate to prototype
• Cooler group grilles appropriate to prototype
• Dellner rescue coupler appropriate to prototype

 

History

 

The Class 57 diesel locomotives were re-manufactured from Class 47s by Brush Traction of Loughborough between 1998 and 2004. The locomotives were fitted with re-conditioned EMD engines and the same model of traction alternator as that fitted to the Class 56. 

 

The Class 57 is a re-engineered locomotive, rebuilt by Brush Traction, Loughborough from redundant Class 47 locomotives. The locomotives are fitted with a refurbished EMD engine and a re-conditioned alternator, improving reliability and performance. Three variants exist, one for freight and two for passenger operations. Each cost £300,000, about one-third that of a new-build locomotive.

 

The class has its origins in 1997 when Freightliner ordered an initial six locomotives. A prototype locomotive was converted by leasing company Porterbrook, with electric train heating in 2001, with a view to obtaining orders from passenger companies.

 

Class 57s have operated for Freightliner (Class 57/0), Virgin Trains (57/3) and Great Western/ GWR (57/6).  Since original work has dried up or operating circumstances have changed, the locos have also been employed by Network Rail, Direct Rail Services (DRS), West Coast Railway Co. (WCRC) and Arriva Trains Wales.  57s are something of a 'Marmite' class with enthusiasts because although they keep loco-hauled services alive, they 'snatched' the bodies of much-loved Class 47 donors!

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 57/3 locomotive 57314 is a 255 mm (10‑inch) model released in the 2018 range. The kit is finished in pristine condition with a blue livery and carries the running number 57314. It is DCC ready, featuring a 21‑pin socket, directional and interior lighting, and a minimum curve radius of 438 mm (2nd radius). The model represents a diesel‑powered British Rail Class 57/3, built between 2002 and 2005, with a Co‑Co wheel arrangement and a maximum speed of 75 mph (or 95 mph in the optional configuration). The manufacturer part number is 32‑755A and the period modelled is the Initial Privatisation era.

The accessory pack includes etched nameplates, cab front details, cooler‑group grilles, and a Dellner rescue coupler, all tailored to the prototype. Directional lighting and cab interior lighting are operational, and the model’s lighting is compatible with the DCC decoder.

The real Class 57 locomotives were rebuilt from redundant Class 47s by Brush Traction, Loughborough, between 1998 and 2004. They received re‑conditioned EMD engines and alternators, improving reliability and performance. Variants served freight (57/0) and passenger operators such as Virgin Trains (57/3) and Great Western Railway (57/6), as well as Arriva Trains Wales, Network Rail, Direct Rail Services, and West Coast Railway Co. Each rebuild cost about £300,000, roughly one‑third the price of a new locomotive. The class remains controversial among enthusiasts for extending locomotive‑hauled services while replacing the bodies of the beloved Class 47s.