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Bachmann 38-800

Ransomes & Rapier 45T Steam Breakdown Crane SR Grey

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

Prototype Era
Era 3 (1923 to 1947) The Big Four (LNER, LMS, GWR and SR)

Manufacturer description

Highlights

• Detail differences modelled appropriate to prototype
• Rotates through 360 degrees
• Operating jib and hook
• Working Safe Lifting indicator
• Accessory pack
• Poseable outriggers
• Hinged chimney for stowed whilst travelling
• Deployable cab access platform
• Hinged cab roof hatch
• Jib runner appropriate to individual crane
• Relieving bogies appropriate to individual crane
• Individual etched plates to fit over printed ones

 

The model has been one of the most complex projects ever undertaken by Bachmann.  The opportunity to create a ground-breaking model also presented a range of engineering and production challenges.  It is fortunate that six of the prototypes survive in preservation, enabling the team to conduct extensive site visits, creating a wealth of dimensional and other data, photographs and notes. It was clear that there are a vast number of detail differences between the eight original prototypes when new, plus modifications made during the vehicles' working lives, making a huge research project.

 

The complex rigging and gearing of the machines has been faithfully reproduced to imitate prototype operation as accurately as possible in this scale. Operation of the crane's jib and hook is achieved by a key mechanism in the rear of the crane body.  The boiler hatches are demountable using a magnetic tool included in the accessory pack, permitting access to two sockets that turn to raise and lower the crane jib and hook.  The tiny 'Safe Lifting Angle' indicator on the cab side operates in tandem with the jib mechanism.  The four outriggers are poseable, the chimney can be stowed or raised, the roof hatch is hinged and the cab platform is hinged for access.

Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

Bachmann Ransomes & Rapier 45‑ton steam breakdown crane (SR Grey) is a 1/76 scale model in pristine condition, measuring 393 mm in length. It is supplied as a departmental wagon for the Southern Railway, with the manufacturer part number 38‑800, and represents the period of the Big Four railway companies (LNER, LMS, GWR and SR).

The model incorporates a rotating 360‑degree base, an operating jib and hook, and a small “Safe Lifting Angle” indicator on the cab side. It includes poseable outriggers, a hinged chimney that can be stowed for travel, a hinged cab roof hatch, and a deployable cab access platform. Individual etched plates replace printed ones, and the relief bogies, jib runner and other components are specific to each prototype.

All moving parts are driven by a key mechanism at the rear of the crane body; the boiler hatches can be removed with the magnetic tool provided in the accessory pack, exposing sockets that control the jib and hook. The model reproduces the complex rigging and gearing of the original locomotives, reflecting the numerous detail differences and modifications recorded from the six surviving examples.