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Bachmann 32-763A

Class 57/3 57302 'Chad Varah' DRS Compass (Original)

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
Era 11 (2016 to 2026) The Last Days of Privatisation

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 57302 ‘Chad Varah’ is a 255 mm (OO gauge) model of a British Rail Class 57/3 diesel locomotive in the Direct Rail Services Compass livery. The model is presented in a weathered finish, carries the running number 57302 and the name ‘Chad Varah’, and conforms to the DCC Ready standard with a 21‑pin socket. It can negotiate a minimum radius of 438 mm (second radius), includes both directional and cab interior lighting, and depicts a diesel‑powered locomotive.

The product is supplied as an accessory pack that contains etched nameplates, detailed cab front elements, cool‑group grilles, and a Dellner rescue coupler, all modelled to match the prototype. It is listed under manufacturer part number 32‑763A and represents the rebuilding era of British railways, covering the period from 2002 to 2005. The prototype locomotive was capable of a maximum speed of either 75 mph or 95 mph, depending on configuration.

The real Class 57 series were rebuilt from redundant Class 47s by Brush Traction at Loughborough between 1998 and 2004, receiving re‑conditioned EMD engines and alternators to improve reliability. Three variants were produced for freight and passenger work, and the locomotives have been operated by Freightliner, Virgin Trains, Great Western Railway, Direct Rail Services, Network Rail, West Coast Railway Co. and Arriva Trains Wales. Each rebuild cost roughly £300,000, about one‑third the price of a new‑build locomotive.