8
|
December 2017
in What's the shops Of the four N-gauge Class 40s released by Bachmann under its Graham Farish label, No. D211 in BR green (371-180) is the perfect model for a lateBR steam-to-diesel transition layout theme.
The brand new N-gauge model of the English Electric Class 40, a transition-era diesel-electric locomotive, which worked alongside steam traction, is described by Nigel Burkin.
Graham Farish ‘Whistler’ E
nglish Electric Class 40s are a symbol of the transition years when BR began to make a concerted effort to replace steam traction with diesel electric locomotives. Introduced between 1958 and 1962, the Class 40 was constructed as an express passenger locomotive for use on top link routes including the Anglia, West Coast and East Coast main lines and is documented as the first BR main line diesel to be procured for such roles. Ten pilot scheme locomotives were ordered numbered D200-D209 to assess their suitability as replacements for high-powered main line steam locomotives. A further order for 190 locomotives was placed numbered D211-D399, despite opposition from some managers who considered them under-powered for the role they were expected to fulfil. Class 40s performed well for the most part. However, a 2000hp locomotive tipping the scales at more than 130 tons and riding on basic plate frame bogies was never going to be able to sustain the high-speed running with heavy trains over long distances that large steam locomotives were capable of. The East Coast and Anglia main line soon saw the introduction of lighter, more powerful locomotives, (the ECML refusing further deliveries of Class 40s) allowing Class 40s to be concentrated on the West Coast main line where the line profile and generally lower speeds played to their strengths. Class 40s are large locomotives, nearly 70ft long and with a 1Co-Co1 wheel arrangement – the figure 1 denoting load-bearing wheels, such was the weight of them. They were soon displaced to secondary duties, primarily in the north and west of the UK. Passenger services in Scotland and North Wales continued to see them used on a regular basis. Until the end of steam, Class 40s finished in plain green livery with grey painted roofs were to be found working alongside many
older designs of steam locomotive on secondary and freight duties making the green-liveried versions of the new Graham Farish model particularly useful for late BR steam-era layout themes. Withdrawal started in 1976, not that long after the last BR steam train ran. Problems with the bogies, the lack of spares and further introductions of lighter, more powerful locomotives, both diesel and electric, fitted with air brakes and electric train heating, saw the steam heat and often vacuum brake-only Class 40s sent to the breakers’ yard. However, it remains a popular class of transition-era locomotive which had a large following of fans who chased them around the country where they could turn up unexpectedly (many parts of the Southern Region being the exception). They appeared on almost any duty in the North West including mail and parcels trains; ballast workings, revenue freight and deputising for other locomotive classes. Their popularity saw seven Class 40s preserved on heritage railways together with D200, which is part of the National Collection. One Class 40 sees regular main line use: No. 40 145 being a popular choice for rail tours and charter trains. It is worth pointing out some of the important ‘spotting’ differences between the Class 40 locomotives. Train reporting code discs and gangway doors were fitted to the first 125 locomotives, which is a feature replicated on the review model. Some disc-fitted locomotives also had ladders fitted to the bonnet fronts, a feature that did not last for very long. Four-figure train reporting codes saw the discs give way to ‘split box’ head codes with the same centre gangway door. During the latter stages of construction, the gangway doors were deemed unnecessary and the bonnet front cleaned up with a neat head code box and tail-lights.
The model Two N-gauge versions of the Class 40s were announced by Bachmann in early 2015, to be marketed under its Graham Farish label: head code disc and centre head code versions. The model was to be a completely brand new tooling, replacing the ageing Graham Farish model which dates back to the days when Graham Farish was an independent company based in Poole. The model was to be the first Graham Farish diesel to have factory-installed digital sound and facility for the simple fitting of sound to those models not so equipped at the factory. Completing the range of new technical innovations is a coreless motor and fully working running lights. The 125 disc fitted locomotives are represented by No. D211 ‘Mauretania’
Model details: English Electric Class 40.
Manufacturer:
Bachmann Europe Plc. under its Graham Farish label.
Scale:
N gauge, 1:148 scale.
Suggested retail prices:
£139.95 for 371-180, 371-181 and 371-182. £209.95 for digital sound fitted 371-183DS.
Era: English Electric locomotives such as the Class 37 and Class 40 have complex curves which are difficult to capture well in model form. The shape of the Graham Farish Class 40 is very good and compares well with pictures of the full-size locomotives.
1956-1988 depending on the livery and fittings. Review model represents the class shortly
finished in plain BR green with a grey roof and white cant rail stripe (371-180). Centre head code box locomotives are represented by No. D369 finished in BR green with a small yellow panel (371-181). Moving away from the transition is the model of No. 40 159 fitted with a centre head code box and finished in BR blue (371-182). Following feedback from modellers, the split box version of the Class 40 was added to the catalogue, completing the three production versions of the locomotive. Split box No. 40 141 is also finished in BR blue and features factory-installed digital sound (371-183DS). It is the plain green model of No. D211 (371-180) that features in this edition of ‘What’s in the Shops’ – a model that will sit very nicely in a late-BR steam-era setting.
after introduction.
Web:
www.bachmann.co.uk
Model features in a nutshell: Coreless motor for fine operation and control. All-driving wheels have electrical current collection. DCC-ready with NEXT18 interface socket. First Graham Farish diesel model with digital sound (371-183DS). NEM coupling pockets fitted with standard ‘Rapido’ type couplings. Digital sound-ready with ‘sugar cube’ speaker fitted as
standard in all models. Detailed cab interiors. Working cab lights – switched with a decoder. Working head and tail-lights with circuit board switches when used with analogue control. Circuit board switches to control running lights when operated on analogue control. Detailed bufferbeams and accessory pack with brake pipes. Available with different bonnet versions, including centre and split head code boxes and reporting discs.