Bachmann 32-616NRM Class 90 028 'Sir William McAlpine' DB Cargo Electric Locomotive

This model has been developed and produced exclusively for Locomotion Models and the Bachmann Collectors Club by Bachmann Europe Plc.

Locomotion Models and the Bachmann Collectors Club have joined forces to release this striking model of Class 90 electric locomotive No.90028 ‘Sir William McAlpine’ in DB Cargo livery. The model was officially launched at the opening of Model Rail Scotland, 25th February 2022, and is available for immediate release.

Fifty Class 90 locomotives were ordered by British Rail in 1986 to replace the ageing Class 85 fleet on West Coast Main Line duties. Construction of the 110mph rated locomotives was completed by British Rail Engineering Limited, Crewe, in 1990. They subsequently saw service with several operators and have carried numerous different liveries since 1994.

DB Schenker named Class 90 locomotive No. 90028 ‘Sir William McAlpine’ on 11th January 2019 at the National Railway Museum in York. A special train was hauled non-stop from Kings Cross by ‘Flying Scotsman’ and returned with the newly named electric locomotive. Both locomotives posed for photographs outside the museum as a tribute to a remarkable man.

Sir William McAlpine, a lifelong railway enthusiast, passed away on 4th March 2018. He had joined the family construction company straight from school eventually becoming the Director responsible for its operations in Scotland. He bought, for himself, their last steam locomotive in 1961 for £100 and built a railway for it to run on at his Buckinghamshire home. Then in 1973 he rescued ‘Flying Scotsman’ from the USA purchasing it from the receivers after a failed tour retaining part ownership until 1996.

Sir William became involved in railway preservation and was the first Chairman of the Railway Heritage Trust.