NEW Bachmann/EFE Rail OO Announcement!
Posted by Warren Bennett on
Following the launch of the all-new Bachmann Branchline Class 37 at last year’s DEMU Showcase – the event staged by Diesel Electric Modellers United (DEMU) which is a highlight of the exhibition calendar for many Diesel & Electric enthusiasts – Bachmann Europe has again chosen DEMU Showcase for another product announcement.
As part of the EFE Rail range, Bachmann have announced all-new OO scale models of the Newton Chambers Car Carriers. These double-deck bogie vehicles were built by Newton, Chambers & Co. in 1961 and were delivered to British Railways’ Eastern Region.
Available as individual models, allowing authentic train formations to be created as desired, these EFE Rail models are now in production with delivery expected towards the end of 2023.
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A total of 14 vehicles were built to carry six cars each: two in a well between the bogies and four on the upper deck up. Although usually employed on Anglo Scottish trains, these vehicles were built and registered to UIC standards allowing them to work on train ferry services to the continent. Built with through steam heat pipes and vacuum brakes, by the mid-1970s several had been fitted with through ETH and all had been so fitted by the early-1980s, when Mk3 Sleeping Coaches were introduced. Outshopped in BR Lined Maroon livery with ‘Eastern Region Car Transporter’ lettering, the introduction of ‘Motorail’ services in 1966 saw them repainted into BR’s corporate Blue & Grey scheme with ‘Motorail’ branding applied. Originally coded TCV for ‘Two-Tier Motor Car Van’, under TOPS they later became NVV when fitted with vacuum brakes and NVX once dual-fitted with vacuum and air brakes. Withdrawals commenced during the 1980s and all had gone by the end of the decade.
The EFE Rail model captures the distinct character of these vehicles, with finely-moulded panel lines throughout the model and accurate end detailing. The bogies, with their unique 6ft 9in. wheelbase, are something to behold; capturing the relief of the axleboxes and spring leaf suspension, with full brake gear push/pull rods and safety loops fitted separately between the frames. Pinpoint metal wheels ensure smooth running whilst the tension lock coupling is mounted via NEM socket which is mounted on a close-coupling mechanism built into the vehicle’s floor. Two buffer beam arrangements are catered for in these initial releases, depicting the vehicles as built with vacuum brakes and through-piped for steam heating, or in later operation when dual braked and fitted for through-ETH.