Bachmann 35-355RJ

Class 20/0 Disc Headcode 20048 BR Blue

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

The latest release in our popular series of Sales Area Exclusive models is this OO scale Class 20 Diesel Locomotive. This model, which will be available from retailers in Scotland, the North East and North West of England, and North Yorkshire, depicts Class 20/0 No. 20048 in BR Blue livery with disc headcodes and sporting West Highland Terrier logos – the depot mascot of Eastfield TMD.

This latest generation Bo-Bo diesel locomotive from Bachmann Branchline brings the classic BR Class 20/0 right up to date, capturing the subtle lines of these distinctive locomotives. The high level of detail is brought to life by the intricate livery application, whilst the performance, Plux22 DCC interface and a full suite of lighting offers the perfect complement to the model’s good looks.

 

 

DETAIL VARIATIONS SPECIFIC TO THIS MODEL

 

BACHMANN BRANCHLINE CLASS 20 SPECIFICATION

MECHANISM:

DETAILING:

LIGHTING:

DCC:

SOUND:

LIVERY APPLICATION:

 

CLASS 20/0 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

Brand
Bachmann
Range
Branchline
Product Code
35-355RJ
GTIN
803393067175
RRP
£224.95
Release date
November 2023

Model details

Minimum radius
Radius 2
Coupling type
Tension lock
Coupling mount
NEM pockets
Chassis construction
Heavy diecast
Scale
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale)
Tooling date
2021
Passenger figures
No
Finish
Pristine
Livery
Blue
Minimum radius curve
2nd Radius (438mm)
Based on preserved
No
DCC status
DCC Ready (Plux 22 socket)
Coupling
NEM 362
Features
Pickup in tender
Interior lighting
Directional lighting

Prototype information

Wheel configuration
Bo-Bo
Tractive effort
42,000 lbf
Total built
228
Build dates
1957 to 1968
Builder
English Electric at Vulcan Foundry
Robert Stephenson & Hawthorns
Locomotive type
Diesel-Electric
In service until
Present
Operated by
British Rail
Direct Rail Services
Eurostar
Harry Needle Railroad Co
GB Railfreight
Main duties
Mixed Freight
Locomotive class*
Class 20
Motive power
Diesel

* 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.

Supplier Links

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Related products

Bachmann's latest addition to their OO scale range is the Class 20/0 Diesel Locomotive in BR Blue livery, featuring disc headcodes and West Highland Terrier logos. This model is a Sales Area Exclusive, available from retailers in Scotland, the North East and North West of England, and North Yorkshire.

The model is based on Class 20/0 No. 20048 and features a high level of detail, including intricate livery application and a range of lighting options. The locomotive is DCC Ready, with a Plux 22 socket, and is equipped with a directional lighting system and interior lighting.

The model is designed to operate on curves of second radius (438mm) or greater and features a five-pole, twin shaft motor with two flywheels, providing drive to both bogies. The mechanism includes all-axle drive, electrical pickup from all wheels, and separate metal bearings fitted to each axle.

The Class 20/0 was a 1,000bhp diesel locomotive built by English Electric as a pilot scheme for the British Railways Board's 1955 modernisation plan. The design was a success, and 228 locomotives were built by 1968, designated Class 20 and numbered 20001 to 20228. The Class 20s were primarily used for freight work and were commonly associated with coal traffic.

The Bachmann model is a faithful representation of the Class 20/0, with authentic liveries and detailing, including separately applied metal detail parts and etched fan grilles. The model is also available in a Sound Fitted version, featuring a Zimo MS450P22 DCC Sound Decoder and authentic sound files produced from recordings of real locomotives.

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