😮 Bachmann Announce All New Class 08 & 09 Shunters in OO
Posted by Warren Bennett on
Bachmann have announced plans for a newly tooled range of Class 08 and Class 09 diesel shunting locomotives in OO gauge. Engineering samples have been revealed showcasing the exquisite levels of detailing present on these all new models.
Models of the Class 08 Diesel Shunter have been produced in OO Scale by Bachmann since 2000, when the new Branchline models were released under the then-embryonic ‘Blue Riband’ title which adorned models that set new standards for their time. However, in the two decades that have followed, Bachmann has been at the forefront of introducing new technologies, innovations and even higher levels of detail with each new model it has produced, and so it was high time that a new model of this important prototype was considered.
The all-new Class 08/09 Diesel Shunters from Bachmann Branchline owe nothing to their predecessors, these new models have been developed from the rails up and benefit from the latest production techniques and material technologies, whilst incorporating all of the features that are expected of a modern Bachmann product – including lights, sound and Auto-Release Couplings.
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Now at an advanced stage of development, livery samples are expected to be shown in August. The details of the first models, liveries, identities and pricing will be included in Bachmann's Autumn 2024 Railway announcements in August. Shortly after their announcement these will be available to pre-order at Rails of Sheffield!
Final models are due to arrive beginning Early 2025.
Product Features
Constructed from a mixture of precision moulded components, diecast metal parts and etched/ formed metal details
5-pole motor with flywheel - geared to provide excellent slow speed performance and exceptional haulage power
Chassis features a sprung centre axle and all-wheel pickups, as well as separate metal bearings
Digital & Sound Capability - Plux22 socket - accessible via lift-off roof panel
Factory DCC Sound & DCC Sound Deluxe models will be offerted including a Zimo MS450P22 decoder
DCC Sound Deluxe models feature Bachmann's new Auto-Release couplings system for fully hands-free running
Stay-Alive system fitted to all models
Up to six individual lights fitted at each end (depending on prototype) & cab light - independently controllable on DCC or Analogue
Control switched for lighting located via removable roof panel with an option for 'shunting lights' mode to provide one red & one white light at each end
Prototype Information
The LMS had pioneered the idea of diesel shunters during the 1930s and following Nationalisation the LMS 12033 series was adopted by BR as the starting point for a new standard design of shunting locomotive. The first British Railways Standard 350hp Diesel-Electric Shunter, latterly the TOPS Class 08, was constructed in 1952 and over the next ten years, no fewer than 996 locomotives would be built, making this the most numerous of all British locomotive classes. In fact, the fleet totalled well over a thousand when the near-identical Class 09s (26 built) and Class 10s (171) are included – the former having higher gearing and the latter different engines and transmissions.
The locomotives were built ‘in-house’ at BR’s Crewe, Darlington, Derby, Doncaster and Horwich Works, and would be found allocated across the BR regions. Used for shunting, stock movements and occasional trip workings, the 08s had a top speed of just 15 mph (the 09s could reach 27½ mph) but their signature feature was their immense tractive effort which was more than double that of the BR Class 03s and 04s.
The type was enduring with hundreds still in traffic at the start of the 21st century and today, dozens remain in service with train operating companies, freight operators and at railway workshops. The Class 08 is also the shunter of choice for many heritage lines and nearing 100 locomotives are now preserved and serve heritage railways – often carrying out the same roles they were originally built to perform.