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Bachmann 38-801

Ransomes & Rapier 45T Steam Breakdown Crane GWR 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 45T Steam Breakdown Crane, GWR Grey, is presented in Pristine condition with a length of 393 mm. The model carries the GWR Departmental Black livery and is classed as a departmental wagon operated by the Great Western Railway. It is identified by manufacturer part number 38‑801 and represents the period of the Big Four railway companies (LNER, LMS, GWR and SR).

The model includes a range of functions modelled to match the prototype. The crane rotates through 360 degrees and features an operating jib and hook, a working Safe Lifting Angle indicator, poseable outriggers, a hinged chimney for stowage while travelling, a deployable cab access platform, and a hinged cab roof hatch. The jib runner, relieving bogies and etched plates are specific to each individual crane. An accessory pack supplies a magnetic tool for the demountable boiler hatches and other detailed components.

Bachmann describes the project as one of its most complex, requiring extensive research across six surviving prototypes. Detailed measurements, photographs and notes were gathered during site visits, allowing the intricate rigging and gearing to be faithfully reproduced at scale. The crane’s operation is driven by a key mechanism in the rear of the body, mirroring the prototype’s functionality as closely as possible.