We are excited to reveal our latest exclusive announcement, produced in partnership with our friends at Bachmann Europe - the Derby Lightweight 'Test Unit Gemini' electric multiple unit in OO Gauge!
Produced for the first time ever in OO gauge, this model replicates cars 79998 and 79999 - originally built as an experimental battery-electric passenger multiple unit that later made its way into departmental service as 'Test Unit Gemini'.
Bachmann have provided us with decorated samples for the new model, which as you can see is shaping up very nicely indeed.
We currently expect these to arrive in stock during December 2024.
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Product Features
Highly detailed model with separately fitted parts including wipers, pipework, gangways, underframe relief and more
Fully detailed interior with cab and passenger saloon
Discrete 5-pole motor with flywheel powering one car, with all-wheel pickups
Digital capability - 8-pin socket (in driving car) + 6-pin socket (in trailer car)
Directional and passenger saloon lighting. Lighting is always on (when power is applied) on analogue, on DCC the directional lights can turned On/off with F0, but saloon lights will be ‘always on’
NEM tension lock couplings (Outer ends), International hook & loop coupling between cars
Separate metal bearings on driving wheels
Accessory pack with bufferbeam pipes, dummy coupling etc.
Prototype Information
The British Rail BEMU was an experimental two-car battery electric multiple unit (BEMU), converted from the prototype Derby Lightweight Diesel multiple units.
The train was powered by many lead-acid batteries , and was used on the Deeside Railway from Aberdeen to Ballater in Scotland from April 1958 until it was finally withdrawn in December 1966. The North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board initiated the design and was a joint sponsor. The board promised to supply power at three farthings per unit for a fixed two-year period. It provided an 11kV supply to a charger at Aberdeen's platform 1 and a 6.6kV supply to a charger at Ballater.
The train then spent a short time in storage at Inverurie Works, and at Hyndland Shed in Glasgow, before being transferred to departmental use as test train "Gemini" (or "Laboratory 16") for use at the Railway Technical Centre, at Derby. It lasted in this role until it was withdrawn in 1984, and was eventually bought for preservation at the proposed West Yorkshire Transport Museum , where it was returned to working order.
The museum placed it on loan to the East Lancashire Railway in 1994 where, after asbestos was removed and the batteries refurbished, it was used on some services until 2000. After the museum went into liquidation, the unit was purchased by the Royal Deeside Railway near Crathes, in 2001. It is now back in Scotland, where it is undergoing refurbishment.