Bachmann 35-804 Class 31 101 BR Blue

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.

• Analogue DC Model
• This model mainly operates in British
• This model is decorated in BR company markings
• This model is best suited to 438mm radius curves
• Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
• Era 7
• Locomotive is now Preserved
• Pristine BR Blue livery
• Running No. 31101
• Equipped with a Plux22 DCC Decoder Socket
• Original Body
• Original Gangway Doors
• Glazed Headcode Panels – displaying Blinds 2B99 and 6M65
• Windscreen Washer Jets with Covers
• Modified Bufferbeam Cowling
• Original Windscreen
• Original Main Fan Grilles with Horizontal Fins
• English Electric Exhaust Ports
• English Electric Engine Block Detail
• Original Open Boiler Port
• Original Water Filler Hatch
• Open Bodyside Steps
• Original Battery Boxes
• Five pole, twin shaft motor with two flywheels providing drive to both bogies
• All axle drive
• Electrical pickup from all wheels on each bogie
• Separate metal bearings fitted to each axle
• Diecast metal chassis block and bogie towers
• Diecast metal gearboxes, with gearing arranged for prototypical running speeds and haulage capabilities
• 16.5mm (OO gauge) wheels to NEM310 & NEM311 standards with authentic profile and detailing
• Detachable coupling pockets to NEM362 standards fitted to each bogie
• Length 228mm

Details

The British Rail Class 30 and Class 31 diesel-electric locomotives, originally designated Brush Type 2, were built by Brush Traction between 1957 and 1962, with 263 examples produced. Entering service as part of the Pilot Scheme to replace steam, they were initially fitted with Mirrlees engines. These proved unreliable, and from 1964 one locomotive was re-engined with an English Electric 12SVT power unit. Following successful trials, the entire fleet was converted between 1965 and 1969. Under the TOPS system, the original Mirrlees-engined locomotives were designated Class 30, while the re-engined fleet became Class 31.

The locomotives were widely deployed, first on the Eastern Region before spreading to the Western and London Midland regions. Sub-class 31/0s carried non-standard Red Circle multiple-working equipment and were withdrawn early, while the 31/1s became the standard type with Blue Star control and steam heating boilers, working secondary passenger, parcels and freight traffic across much of the network.

From the 1970s, some were equipped with Electric Train Heating and reclassified 31/4s, with later refurbishments modernising their appearance and equipment. Withdrawals began in 1975, but large numbers survived into the privatisation era. More than 25 locomotives are now preserved, keeping the class active on heritage and charter services.