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Bachmann 38-626A

BR FFA Inner Flat BR Blue, 3 x Type L Freightliner Containers

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

Prototype Era
Era 6 (1967 to 1972) British Rail Blue (Pre-TOPS)

Manufacturer description

2025 marks the 60th anniversary of British Rail launching Freightliner as its operating company for intermodal haulage, meaning there’s no better time to welcome the highly acclaimed ‘Freightliner Flats’ back to the Bachmann Branchline range. The wagons that formed the original Freightliner services were later coded FFA and FGA under the Total Operations Processing System (TOPS) that was introduced in the 1970s, and models of both the FFA inner wagons and FGA outers will be available.

The introduction of Freightliner services marked the start of a new era for BR’s freight operations; with continuous air brakes employed throughout the train a brake van was no longer required and instead, the guard was allowed to travel in the rear cab of the locomotive – possible only with applicable diesel and electric locomotives of course. The fixed formations of 5-wagon sets, comprising three FFAs flanked by a pair of FGAs, featured traditional drawgear and buffers at the outer end of each FGA only, so that the set could be coupled to the locomotive or for when two or more 5-wagon sets operated together.

This FFA wagon is designed to be used with our FGA two-wagon packs and is fitted with a bespoke coupling pocket, allowing the wagon to couple to the FGAs or other FFA inner wagons using the bar coupling supplied with each model.

The wagon itself has everything on show, being much like a skeleton and comprising two solebars, underframe trussing and various cross members to add strength and rigidity, and all of these aspects are replicated to stunning effect in diecast metal. Added to this are separate components depicting the brake gear and auxiliary equipment, with metal wire used to represent pipe runs which stretch the length of the vehicle. The attention to detail extends to the bogies which are modelled faithfully, including the brake blocks and brake discs that are fitted to each axle. Naturally, the wheels and axles are all made from metal.

Turning our attention to the containers and these are just as detailed, being injection moulded and complete with full ribbing and rivet detail. The containers are then fitted with separate door locking mechanisms whilst they are secured to the wagon decks thanks to the replica twistlock fittings supplied in the accessory pack. The real wagons were fitted with splashers above each wheelset, although over time many were lost or fell off, so these are supplied as etched metal components for optional fitting.

To complete this outstanding model a full livery application has been executed to Branchline’s exacting standards, from the rich blue paintwork and multiple markings and logos found on the wagons themselves, to the containers with their eye-catching colour schemes and various markings and logos – all is replicated to full effect.

 

MODEL FEATURES:

• Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
• Era 6
• Pristine BR Blue livery
• Running Nos. B602231
• 3 x Type L Containers Nos. 08L45, 08L64 & 08L70 in Freightliner Grey & Red livery
• Accessory Pack
• Length 262mm (over couplings)

Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

The Bachmann Branchline OO scale model of the BR FFA Inner Flat wagon is a new addition to the company's range. This model represents a wagon from the British Rail era before the introduction of the Total Operations Processing System (TOPS) in the 1970s. The model is designed to be used with Bachmann's FGA two-wagon packs and is fitted with a bespoke coupling pocket, allowing it to couple to the FGAs or other FFA inner wagons.

The model features a detailed representation of the wagon's underframe, including solebars, underframe trussing, and cross members. The brake gear and auxiliary equipment are also accurately modelled, with metal wire used to represent the pipe runs along the length of the vehicle. The bogies are modelled faithfully, including the brake blocks and brake discs.

The model also includes three Type L containers in Freightliner Grey and Red livery, which are injection moulded and feature full ribbing and rivet detail. The containers are secured to the wagon decks using replica twistlock fittings supplied in the accessory pack. The model also includes splashers above each wheelset, although these can be optionally fitted or left off.

The model is painted in a rich blue livery with multiple markings and logos, accurately replicating the look of the original wagons. The containers also feature eye-catching colour schemes and various markings and logos. The model measures 262mm in length over the couplings and is suitable for use on OO scale layouts depicting the British Rail era before the introduction of TOPS.