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Bachmann 39-176K

BR Mk1 BG Full Brake 'Laboratory 23' BR RTC (Revised)

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

Laboratory 23 began life as a BR Mk1 BG Full Brake and was put into use by the RTC as a generator coach for the POP train – a test bed for the Advanced Passenger Train (APT). Still carrying Blue & Grey livery when first used in the POP train, the vehicle later gained the distinctive Red & Blue livery before being repainted into the colours seen here during the 1980s. With the APT project abandoned in the mid-1980s, the POP train was disbanded and auxiliary vehicles such as Laboratory 23 found use in all manner of tests, essentially being added at any test train that required a generator vehicle to provide a power supply.

Based on the Bachmann Branchline OO scale Mk1 BG, our model is highly detailed and carries a wonderful rendition of this colourful livery. Fitted with B4 bogies, the model includes NEM coupling pockets mounted on a close coupling mechanism.

Only 504 certified models have been produced.

Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

Bachmann BR Mk1 BG Full Brake ‘Laboratory 23’ (BR RTC Revised) is a limited‑edition model released through the Bachmann Collectors Club. The model is finished in pristine condition, measures 245 mm in length and represents a British Railways Mark 1 BG (Brake Gangwayed) coach as it appeared during the British Rail sectorisation period. It carries the manufacturer part number 39‑176K and is limited to 504 certified examples.

The original vehicle, known as Laboratory 23, was built as a generator coach for the POP test train used on the Advanced Passenger Train programme. After the APT project was abandoned, the coach was repainted in its 1980s red and blue livery and later used on various test trains requiring a power supply.

The Bachmann model is based on the Branchline OO‑scale Mk1 BG, featuring detailed markings, B4 bogies and NEM coupling pockets fitted to a close‑coupling mechanism. The livery accurately reproduces the colourful red and blue scheme of the 1980s era.