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Bachmann 35-526SF

Class 121 Single-Car DMU BR Blue & Grey

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

Announced as part of our Spring 2021 British Railway Announcements, we are delighted to bring you this Class 121 Single Car DMU in BR Blue & Grey livery. With a wealth of individually controllable lighting features, this model is also SOUND FITTED for a fully authentic experience!

The Branchline model is equipped with a low profile, underfloor driveline that permits reproduction of an unprecedented level of interior detail, with no intrusion from the motor. Coupled with this impressive technical specification is a wealth of detail incorporated into the bodywork and chassis, plus the usual high standard of livery application associated with Bachmann products.

Our SOUND FITTED model features realistic running sounds and much more - see full details of the sound functions below.

MODEL FEATURES:

• Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
• Era 7
• Pristine BR Blue & Grey Livery
• Running No. W55025
• Set No. P125
• Destination Blinds for Newquay and Par
• Accessory Pack
• NEM Coupling Pockets
• Sprung Buffers
• Interior Cab Lighting
• Directional Lighting
• Illuminated Destination Blinds
• Lighting can be controlled by chassis-mounted switches or via DCC
• SOUND FITTED - See below for function list
• Length 276mm (over couplings)

SOUNDSF0 - Directional Lights - On/Off

F1 - Warm Engine Start-up / Shut-down (with F5 On - Cold Engine Start-up)

F2 - Brake

F3 - Single Horn (Speed & Direction Dependent)

F4 – Two-Tone Horn (Speed & Direction Dependent)

F5 - Cold Start (engage F5 before F1) / Light Load

F6 - Engine Cruise / Compressor Speed-up

F7 - Flange Squeal (at Speed Steps 1-39 of 127)

F8 - Detonators (Speed Variable)

F9 - Saloon Lighting - On/Off

F10 - Guard’s Whistle

F11 - Crawler Mode (Low speed & sounds only)

F12 - On - Guard’s Single Buzzer / Off - Driver’s Single Buzzer Response

F13 - On - Guard’s Double Buzzer / Off - Driver’s Double Buzzer Response

F14 - On - Driver’s Door Open / Off - Driver’s Door Closed

F15 - Passenger Door Slam (Before moving)

F16 – Non-Exhaust End Destination Blind Light - On/Off

F17 – Exhaust End Destination Blind Light - On/Off

F18 - Fade All Sounds

F19 - Windscreen Wipers

F20 – Non-Exhaust End Directional Lights - Off/On

F21 – Exhaust End Directional Lights - Off/On

F22 - Rail Join Clatter - Off/On (Speed Variable)

F23 - On - Passenger Door Open / Off - Passenger Door Closed

F24 - Cab Lights - On/Off

F25 - Handbrake

F26 - Air Tank Drain Down

F27 - Volume Down

F28 - Volume Up

Analogue Users: Please note that normal load running sounds and any other automatic or randomised sounds will also operate when this model is used on analogue control (DC) straight from the box!

CLASS 121 HISTORY

Thought to be the UK’s longest serving first generation Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU), the Class 121s were first introduced in 1960. Nicknamed ‘Bubble Cars’, a total of 16 Class 121 Driving Motor Brake Second (DMBS) units were built by the Pressed Steel Company between 1960 and 1961 following the same basic design of the Class 117, featuring the standard ‘Derby’ cab and high-density seating. They were similar to the Class 122 DMUs but were distinguished by the presence of the four character headcode box above the cab. The single car units had a cab at each end, plus a guard’s area and seating for 65 passengers. Where additional capacity was required the Class 121s could be coupled with other DMUs that had blue square multiple working equipment.

Delivered to the Western Region, the units were intended for use on branch lines in Cornwall and the Thames Valley. The Class later spread further across the Western Region, whilst also moving to other areas in due course, with several examples ending up with Network SouthEast following Sectorisation. Many of the Class were later repurposed for Departmental work although three remained in passenger service with Silverlink following Privatisation. Chiltern Railways were the final operator of the Class 121s, using two for services between Aylesbury and Princes Risborough, the final unit was withdrawn in 2017. A significant number of the Class survive in preservation.

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 121 single‑car diesel multiple unit in the original BR blue and grey livery. The model measures 276 mm over the couplings, uses NEM coupling pockets, and is fitted with DCC sound and lighting control. Interior cab lighting, directional lighting and illuminated destination blinds for Newquay and Par can be operated via chassis switches or DCC decoders.

The model reproduces the under‑floor driveline of the original unit, allowing detailed interior features without motor intrusion. It includes a full sound function set covering engine start‑up, brake, horn, door operation, windscreen wipers and other actions, with volume control and a crawler mode for low‑speed operation. The livery finish is described as pristine, and the running number displayed is W55025.

The real Class 121 DMU was introduced in 1960, with sixteen units built by the Pressed Steel Company. Known as “Bubble Cars”, they served the Western Region on branch lines and later operated with other operators until the final withdrawal in 2017. Numerous examples have been preserved. The model was announced as part of Bachmann’s Spring 2021 British Railway range.