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Bachmann 35-127A

Class 20/3 20309 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

Manufacturer description

The Bachmann Branchline Class 20/3 was first released in 2021, and since then we’ve improved this stunning model further by fitting marker lights at the cab ends, meaning that when operated prototypically as pairs nose-to-nose, a full complement of lighting can now be enjoyed at either end of the formation. Forming a pair of models in DRS Compass livery is No. 20309.

This latest generation Bo-Bo diesel locomotive from Bachmann Branchline brings the classic BR Class 20 right up to date, capturing the subtle lines of these distinctive locomotives whilst sporting the modern look of the Class 20/3s – which had their ends made flush during refurbishment and fitted with Wipac light clusters and multiple working connectors. The high level of detail is brought to life by the intricate livery application, whilst the powerful drive mechanism, Plux22 DCC interface and a full suite of lighting offers the perfect complement to the model’s good looks.

 

• Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
• Era 9
• Pristine DRS Compass (Original) livery
• Running No. 20309
• Equipped with a Plux22 DCC Decoder Socket – recommended Decoder item No. 36-570A
• Length 190mm

 

DETAIL VARIATIONS SPECIFIC TO THIS MODEL

• GPS Aerial
• Bonnet Roof Aerial
• One-piece Radiator Shutters
• Early Fluted Bogie Equalising Beams
• Blanked Speedo Drive

 

BACHMANN BRANCHLINE CLASS 20 SPECIFICATION

MECHANISM:

• Five pole, twin shaft motor with two flywheels providing drive to both bogies
• All axle drive
• Electrical pickup from all wheels
• Separate metal bearings fitted to each axle
• Diecast metal chassis block and bogie towers
• Diecast metal gearboxes, with gearing arranged for prototypical running speeds and haulage capabilities
• 5mm (OO gauge) wheels to NEM310 & NEM311 standards with authentic profile and detailing
• Detachable coupling pockets to NEM362 standards fitted to each bogie
• Designed to operate on curves of second radius (438mm) or greater

DETAILING:

• Bogies constructed from multiple components featuring full relief detail
• Rotating radiator fan (un-motorised)
• Separately applied metal detail parts, including handrails, grab handles, sand pipes and etched fan grilles
• Sprung metal buffers
• Body-mounted snow ploughs supplied with each model
• Each model supplied with a full set of decorated, model-specific bufferbeam pipework and accessory parts

LIGHTING:

• Directional lighting, switchable on/off at either end on DCC or Analogue control
• Day/Night Mode, selectable on DCC or Analogue control
• Cab lighting, switchable on/off on DCC or Analogue control
• Authentic light colours and temperatures selected for each model based on era and application

DCC:

• Plux22 DCC decoder interface

SOUND:

• Speaker installed in all models for optimum sound reproduction
• Zimo MS450P22 DCC Sound Decoder fitted to SOUND FITTED versions
• Sound files produced specifically for the Bachmann Branchline Class 20 using recordings from real locomotives
• SOUND FITTED models operate on DCC and Analogue control as supplied. On Analogue, an authentic engine start up sequence and running sounds are produced when power is applied

LIVERY APPLICATION:

• Authentic liveries applied to all models
• Multiple paint applications employed on each model using BR and corporate specification colours
• Logos, numerals and text added as appropriate using multi-stage tampo printing using authentic typefaces, logos and colours
• In addition, where applicable Etched Nameplates and Plaques are also provided

 

CLASS 20/3 HISTORY

The British Railways Board's (BRB) 1955 modernisation plan called for a change to alternative forms of traction and manufacturers were asked to produce trial or initial designs for evaluation. English Electric adapted an existing design based on an export model for a 1,000bhp diesel and 20 were built as a pilot scheme for assessment.  

The first batch was built in 1957 and the diesels were assigned to work from Devon's Road depot, East London. The design was a success from the start and by 1962 a total of 127 had been built. Following assessment of all the Type 1 diesels, BRB placed a further order increasing the total to 228 by 1968 and the design became the BR standard for 1,000bhp diesel locomotives. With the introduction of TOPS the locomotives were designated Class 20 and renumbered 20001 to 20228. The locomotives were principally designed for freight work but also saw service on summer passenger trains where train heating was not required. The Class 20s worked over the Eastern, London Midland and Scottish regions as well as into Wales and were commonly associated with coal traffic. The only drawback the Class had was its single end cab, unlike modern designs that have a cab at each end. BR resolved this problem by regularly operating the Class 20s as pairs, nose to nose, and with the combined power of 2,000bhp they were able to haul the heavier block freight trains. 

BR's decision to switch to Type 5 and in particular Class 60 diesels in the late 1980s started a gradual withdrawal of the fleet, with just 28 left by 1994. A tribute to the design is that after 45 years the Class is still in service with DRS on mainline duties following refurbishment, the resulting locomotives being designated Class 20/3s. At least 28 of the class are now preserved.

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's Class 20/3 locomotive, model number 20309, is a recent release from their Branchline range. This model represents a Direct Rail Services (DRS) Compass livery and features a pristine condition finish. The locomotive is DCC ready, with a Plux 22 socket and directional lighting, allowing for a full complement of lighting when operated in pairs.

The model is part of Bachmann's updated Class 20 range, which captures the distinctive lines of the classic BR Class 20 locomotive while incorporating modern features such as Wipac light clusters and multiple working connectors. The high level of detail is achieved through intricate livery application and a powerful drive mechanism.

Key features of the model include a five-pole, twin-shaft motor with two flywheels, all-axle drive, and electrical pickup from all wheels. The model also features a diecast metal chassis block and bogie towers, as well as diecast metal gearboxes and 5mm wheels to NEM310 and NEM311 standards. The bogies are constructed from multiple components with full relief detail, and the model includes separately applied metal detail parts, including handrails, grab handles, and sand pipes.

The model is available in a Sound Fitted version, which features a Zimo MS450P22 DCC sound decoder and produces authentic sounds when operated on DCC or analogue control. The livery application is authentic, with multiple paint applications and logos, numerals, and text added using multi-stage tampo printing.

The Class 20 locomotive has a rich history, dating back to the 1950s when the British Railways Board placed an order for 20 pilot scheme locomotives. The design was a success, and a further 208 locomotives were built, becoming the BR standard for 1,000bhp diesel locomotives. The Class 20s were used for freight work and passenger trains, and although they were gradually withdrawn from service, some have been refurbished and remain in service with DRS as Class 20/3s.