Kernow Model Rail Centre announce exclusive Bachmann 00 Gauge Class 31/1 as 31 309 ‘Cricklewood’

The Brush Type two, later Class 31 locomotive, was built at the Brush Traction Works in Loughborough introduced in May 1962 as D5843, renumbered to 31309 in October 1973. First withdrawn in May 1981 and stored at Tinsley, until September 1982, when it was reinstated. 

31 309 carried the name ‘Cricklewood’ from 14th May 1987, 38 years ago this month,  to signify the last loco to receive maintenance at the Cricklewood depot before its closure, at the same time the loco received the white stripe as which was applied when the class was new, as depicted by this KMRC Exclusive model. 

31 309 carried the name until in January 1990 when it moved from Tinsley to Stratford. Stored unserviceable at Immingham in May 1990 requiring engine repairs, withdrawal finally coming in April 1991.

The Kernow Model Rail Centre Exclusive in 00 Gauge, is being produced for KMRC by Bachmann. The model is the all-new Bachmann class 31 tooling with diecast chassis block housing a five pole, twin shaft motor with two flywheels providing drive to all axles. Rotating radiator fans are driven by an independent motor and gearbox (sound fitted deluxe version), operated via a DCC function.

The body includes many separately applied metal detail parts, such as: grab handles, windscreen wipers, etched fan grilles and sprung metal buffers. The Dual Fitted speaker system offers authentic sound reproduction, and this is pre-fitted to every model. 

Using the model on DCC also provides cab lighting and engine room lights at the push of a button, whilst analogue operation sees marker lights, tail lights and headlights – where applicable – all illuminate as desired. Each model is supplied with a full set of decorated, model-specific buffer beam pipework and accessory parts. These latest class 31 models also include all wheel pick up and the DCC fitted versions include the ‘Bach-Up’ stay alive system.
 
The KMRC Exclusive model features the following specific detail variations:

• BR Blue livery, original style body with plated gangway doors
• Glazed headcode panels displaying ‘Dominos’
• Windscreen washer jets with covers
• Modified buffer beam cowling
• Original windscreen
• Original main fan grilles with horizontal fins
• English Electric engine block details and engine exhaust ports, plated boiler port, plated water filler hatch, plated bodyside steps and battery boxes with additional safety clips.

The versions, due Q1 2026, available to pre-order now are as below:
35-805Z Bachmann Class 31/1 Diesel 31 309 Cricklewood BR Blue livery. DCC Ready.

35-805ZASF Bachmann Class 31/1 Diesel 31 309 Cricklewood BR Blue livery. DCC SOUND FITTED. 

35-805ZSFX Bachmann Class Bachmann Class 31/1 Diesel 31 309 Cricklewood BR Blue livery.  DCC SOUND FITTED DELUX.

Chris Trerise, Managing Director, said: “While 31 309 was the favourite of Cricklewood Depot it was very well travelled, often working well away from the MML base, including Bristol to Cardiff, Scarborough to York, Blackpool to Nottingham, Liverpool to Nottingham, and that is just the passenger workings! Freight workings include locations such as Preston and Healey Mills - most layouts will surely find a home for 31 309.”