Bachmann 35-782SF Class 69 013 Andy's Man Club GBRf Black (DCC-Sound)

1:76 scale model produced by Bachmann. This model is ready-to-run straight out of the box and would make a excellent addition to any model railway collection.

• DCC Sound Model
• This model mainly operates in Britian
• This model is decorated in GB Railfreight company markings
• This model is best suited to 438mm radius curves

Details

The Class 69 Diesel Locomotive was developed by GB Railfreight to address the growing demands of their operations. Faced with the need for locomotives matching the performance of their existing fleet, but unable to acquire new builds, GBRf turned to redundant Class 56s for an innovative solution. These locomotives were transformed into modern traction units through a comprehensive conversion programme carried out by Progress Rail in Stoke-On-Trent.

The conversion process involved fitting advanced equipment and systems, most notably the reliable EMD 710 diesel engines, the same as those powering the proven Class 66s. The project utilised Class 56s originally constructed at BREL Crewe, BREL Doncaster, and Electroputere in Romania, revitalising them for a new era of rail freight service.

GBRf officially launched the project in spring 2019, with the first locomotive, No. 69001, undertaking running trials on the Severn Valley Railway by February 2021. Following approval from the Office of Rail and Road in May 2021, the locomotives entered regular service. An initial batch of ten locomotives was followed by additional orders, bringing the fleet to sixteen by mid-2025.

Each locomotive was meticulously finished by Arlington Fleet Services, sporting a range of striking colour schemes from classic retro designs to modern styles. Notably, No. 69001 was named ‘Mayflower’, proudly carrying UK and US flags to highlight the transatlantic collaboration behind this ambitious rebuild. Another standout is No. 69013, completed in 2025 with a distinctive black livery supporting Andy’s Man Club.

The Class 69 represents a remarkable blend of proven British engineering and modern upgrades, offering exceptional performance and reliability for contemporary rail operations.