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Bachmann 35-127SF

Class 20/3 20312 DRS Compass (Original)

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

Prototype Era
Era 9 (1995 to 2004) Initial Privatisation

Manufacturer description

We are delighted to be able to offer you this modern-day take on the classis Class 20, with the Branchline Class 20/3 No. 20312 in the popular DRS Compass (Original) Blue livery.

Technical features include working directional head and tail lights and cab lighting, whilst this SOUND FITTED model features realistic running sounds including various Horns, Warm or Cold Engine Start, Wagon Snatching & Buffering and much more; see full details of the sound functions below.

MODEL FEATURES:

• Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
• Era 9
• Pristine DRS Compass (Original) Blue livery
• Accessory Pack
• NEM Coupling Pockets
• Sprung Buffers
• Powerful 5 pole motor with twin flywheels
• Interior Cab Lighting
• Directional Head and Tail Lighting with Day/Night modes
• Lighting can be controlled by easy-access switches or via DCC
• SOUND FITTED - See below for function list
• Length 190mm

SOUND FUNCTIONS

F0 - Directional Lights – On/Off (plus Light Switch Sound)

F1 - Warm Engine Start-up / Shut-down (With F8 On - Cold Engine Start-up)

F2 - Brake

F3 - Single Horn (Speed Related)

F4 - Two-Tone Horn (Speed Related)

F5 - On - Light Engine / Off - Heavy train

F6 - Engine Idle / Coasting

F7 - Speed Lock

F8 - Cold Start (engage F1 before F8)

F9 - Flange Squeal (Speed Related)

F10 - Guard’s Whistle

F11 - Buffer Up

F12 - Coupling

F13 - N/A

F14 - On - Night Mode Directional Lights / Off - Day Mode Directional Lights

F15 - Detonators (Speed Related)

F16 - Priming Pump

F17 - Wagon Snatching & Buffering

F18 - On - Driver’s Door Open / Off - Driver’s Door Close

F19 - Fade All Sounds

F20 - Nose End Directional Lights Off

F21 - Cab End Directional Lights Off

F22 - Cab Light On (Only when Stationary)

F23 - Window Wipers

F24 - Compressor

F25 - Spirax Valves

F26 - Shunting Mode

F27 - Volume Up

F28 - Volume Down

Analogue Users: Directional lights and basic Prime Mover (engine) sounds, which vary with speed, plus any other automated sounds, can be enjoyed when using this model on analogue control (DC) straight from the box!

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 Branchline OO‑scale model of a British Rail Class 20/3 locomotive, running number 20312, in the Direct Rail Services (DRS) Compass original blue livery. The model was produced between 1995 and 1998 and carries the manufacturer part number 35‑127SF. It represents the class as it appears in the initial privatisation era.

The locomotive is 190 mm long, fitted with an NEM coupling, a 5‑pole motor with twin flywheels and sprung buffers. It includes interior cab lighting and directional head and tail lighting that can be set to day or night modes and operated via on‑model switches or DCC control.

The model is DCC‑sound fitted, offering a range of realistic audio functions such as warm and cold engine start‑up, brake, single and two‑tone horns, guard’s whistle, buffer and coupling sounds, wagon snatching, engine idle, speed‑related flange squeal and detonators, as well as ancillary sounds like wipers, compressor and spirax valve operation. When used on analogue (DC) control the basic directional lights and prime‑mover sounds are available straight from the box.

The product depicts a diesel‑powered Class 20/3 locomotive operated by Direct Rail Services, reflecting the locomotive’s role on main‑line freight duties after refurbishment following the withdrawal of earlier units.