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Bachmann 38-627A

BR FGA Outer Flats 2-Pack BR Blue (TOPS), 5 x 20/40ft ISO Containers

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

Prototype Era
Era 8 (1983 to 1994) British Rail Sectorisation

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 two-wagon pack comprises a pair of FGA outer wagons which are equipped with sprung metal couplings at the outer end and a NEM coupling pocket mounted to the wagon floor on a close coupling mechanism. At the inner ends a bespoke coupling pocket is employed, allowing the wagons to couple to FFA inner wagons (or two FGAs can be joined together) 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 these outstanding models 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 8
• Pristine BR Blue (TOPS) livery
• Running Nos. 601187 & 601235
• 3 x 20ft ISO Containers Nos. 0610278 & 0697920 in 'CAST' Blue livery and No. 7202752 in 'K Line' Red livery
• 40ft ISO Container No. 5244856 in 'OOCL' Grey livery and 20ft ISO Container No. 2331822 in 'Hapag-Lloyd' Orange livery
• Accessory Pack
• Sprung Buffers (outer ends only)
• NEM Coupling Pockets (outer ends only)
• Length 2 x 270mm (over couplings)

Catalogue listing

Model details

Bachmann has announced the addition of the BR FGA Outer Flats 2-Pack to its Branchline range, featuring two wagons in BR Blue livery. This model represents a key part of British Rail's intermodal haulage operations, which began 60 years ago with the introduction of Freightliner services.

The FGA wagons were part of a five-wagon set that included three FFA inner wagons, and were used to transport containers. Each FGA wagon features sprung metal couplings at the outer end and a NEM coupling pocket at the inner end, allowing it to couple with FFA inner wagons.

The model itself features a detailed underframe and solebars, as well as metal wire representing pipe runs and separate components depicting brake gear and auxiliary equipment. The bogies are also modelled accurately, with metal wheels and axles.

The containers are injection moulded with full ribbing and rivet detail, and feature separate door locking mechanisms and twistlock fittings. A small etched metal accessory pack is included, providing splashers for optional fitting.

The models are finished in a pristine BR Blue livery, with multiple markings and logos accurately represented. The containers are also accurately painted with their respective liveries.

This model is part of the Bachmann Branchline OO scale range and is Era 8, representing the late 1980s to early 1990s period. The production number is 601187 and 601235, with three 20ft ISO containers and one 40ft ISO container featuring different liveries.