Bachmann announce a retooled 08 shunter in OO

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 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.

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, even higher levels of detail have appeared, and so Bachmann considered it was high time for a new model of this important prototype.

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 modellers now expect, including lights, sound and Auto-Release Couplings.  

Constructed from a combination of moulded components, diecast metal parts and etched and formed metal details, these new models promise to be both highly detailed and excellent performers. With a powerful five pole motor and flywheel, the new 08/09 is geared to provide excellent slow speed performance and exceptional haulage power. The sprung centre axle aids smooth running over uneven trackwork whilst electrical pickup comes from all wheels and each axle runs in a pair of separate metal bearings.  DCC provision comes by way of a Plux22 DCC decoder socket which is accessed via a removable roof panel – this clip-fit component provides a positive fitment and ensures that unsightly misalignments are avoided. The pre-fitted speaker is utilised on sound-fitted and sound-fitted deluxe models which will be fitted with a Zimo MS450P22 DCC Sound Decoder.

Sound-fitted deluxe models also feature Bachmann’s new Auto Release Couplings providing hands-free uncoupling at the press of a single DCC function. Another benefit for DCC users is the addition of a stay-alive system which will be fitted to all models – making the 08/09 the first Bachmann Branchline model to feature such a system which provides uninterrupted power to prevent stalling, light flicker and sound cut-outs.  

The lighting features incorporated into this new model include up to six individual lights fitted at each end (depending on the prototype) and a cab light, all of which can be controlled independently when used on DCC or Analogue Control. Control switches for the lighting are accessed via the removable roof panel and include a ‘shunting lights’ option to provide one red and one white light at each end, as so often seen on the real locomotives when in operation.

With a fleet of more than 1,000 locomotives and a history of 72 years and counting, the detail variations seen on the prototype are many and the new Bachmann Branchline models cater for most of them, with hundreds of detail combinations available thanks to the flexibility of the tooling suite meaning that most models will be unique in one way or another. Prominent differences include the light configurations at each end which can feature two, four or six lights, alongside the presence or otherwise of radiator steps, exhauster cabinets and air compressor cabinets. Cab doors can be of wooden or steel construction and both locomotives fitted with high level air pipes and those with buck-eye couplings are catered for amongst the vast detail options available on the new Class 08/09.

On the announcement, David Haarhaus, Managing Director of Bachmann Europe Plc said:
“This new announcement epitomises Bachmann’s commitment to producing the finest models of the locomotives that formed the backbone of the British Rail fleet. The humble diesel shunter has been the cornerstone of the Bachmann Branchline range since the dawn of the Blue Riband era, and I well remember the first of those new models arriving back in 2000, however with the rate of change and new technologies we have added to the Bachmann ranges over the last two decades it was well time that the 08/09 was brought right up-to-date.  

"As with any Branchline model, this project has been many years in the making and I’d like to thank the whole team here at Barwell and at Kader who have pushed the boundaries to create the breathtaking model we can now proudly display. I am also proud that Bachmann remains dedicated to supporting our retailer network, so you will only see these models on the shelves of Bachmann retailers when they arrive early next year, so that all of our retailers can benefit from the investment we have made in these new models and continue to support our much-loved industry.”  

Now at an advanced stage of development, the Engineering Prototypes displayed have been fine-tuned and livery samples for the first models will be revealed in August. The details of those first models, including liveries, identity and pricing will be included in the Autumn
2024 British Railway Announcements at the start of August, at which point Bachmann retailers will begin taking orders ahead of the first models arriving in early-2025.