Bachmann 35-945SFX Deluxe Class 13 D4502 BR Green Wasp Stripes (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 British
• This model is decorated in BR company markings
• Era 6
• Pristine BR Green (Wasp Stripes) livery
• Running No. D4502
• LMS Pattern Buffers
• Equipped with two Plux22 DCC Decoder Sockets – recommended Decoder item No. 36-570B (x2)
• Length 244mm
• Five pole motor with flywheel providing drive to the rear axle
• Sprung centre axle to aid running over uneven track
• Electrical pickup from all wheels
• Separate metal bearings fitted to each axle
• Diecast metal chassis block incorporating the gearbox, 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 at the cab end of the Master unit and the radiator end of the Slave unit
• Master and Slave units connect with a rigid coupling bar that fits into NEM362 coupling pockets mounted to integral close coupling mechanisms
• Precision moulded bodyshell and frames/running board with numerous separately fitted parts including footsteps, bonnet grilles and lamp irons
• Separately applied metal detail parts, including sand boxes and sand pipes, grab handles, windscreen wipers, light conduits and lifting points
• Authentic outside-framed running gear
• Frames constructed from multiple components, including separate springs and brake gear allowing full relief detailing
• Sprung metal buffers
• Cab interior detailing which includes the control desk, instruments & dials, equipment cabinets and handbrake, all with era-specific decoration
• Each model supplied with a full set of decorated bufferbeam pipework, master-to-slave pipes and cables, bufferbeam infills and accessory parts including screw-link couplings (cosmetic)
• Authentic liveries applied to all models
• Multiple paint applications employed on each model using BR specification colours
• Logos, numerals and text added as appropriate using multi-stage tampo printing process, incorporating authentic typefaces, logos and colours
• Auto-Release Couplings fitted at the cab end of the master unit and the radiator end of the slave unit – DCC operated, hands-free uncoupling with the press of a function button (SOUND FITTED DELUXE models only)
• Plux22 DCC decoder interface
• Easy-access DCC decoder socket via a removable roof panel – secured by clips for ensured fit and alignment
• 2-pin connector wire for use between the Master and Slave units to ensure full DCC-functionality
• Bach-Up Stay Alive System providing uninterrupted power to prevent stalling, light flicker and sound cut-outs (operates on DCC only)
• Two quality speakers employed for optimum sound reproduction, one in the Master unit and one in the Slave unit, fitted to every model as standard
• SOUND FITTED and SOUND FITTED DELUXE versions come with a pre-installed Zimo MS450P22 DCC Sound Decoder in the Master unit and a Zimo MN330P22 Loco Decoder in the Slave Unit
• Sound files produced specifically for the Bachmann Branchline Class 13 using recordings from real locomotives
• SOUND FITTED and SOUND FITTED DELUXE models operate on DCC and Analogue control as supplied. On Analogue, an authentic engine start up sequence and running sounds are produced when power is applied

Details

The Story of the BR Class 13: Britain's Unique Twin Diesel Shunter

Model railway enthusiasts and British rail history fans alike are often drawn to the iconic BR Class 08 diesel shunter—a locomotive that became the backbone of shunting operations across the UK. But for a niche yet fascinating chapter in British Railways history, look no further than the rare and powerful Class 13 shunter, a true oddity built specifically for one purpose: mastering the hump at Tinsley Yard.

From Class 08 to Class 13: The Evolution of the Diesel Shunter

The transition to diesel-electric shunters began in earnest after the nationalisation of Britain' railways in 1948. While diesel trials had started during the 1930s under the "Big Four" companies, it was British Railways' standardisation that saw widespread adoption—most notably through the Class 08, a 350hp workhorse built in massive numbers. In fact, with 996 units produced, the Class 08 became the most numerous British locomotive class ever built.

These tough and reliable shunters handled most yard duties with ease. However, not all tasks were suited to the Class 08’s capabilities.

The Tinsley Challenge: Why a New Shunter Was Needed

In 1965, Tinsley Marshalling Yard opened near Sheffield—a vast and modern freight yard designed for hump shunting operations. Here, wagons would be pushed over a raised hump and allowed to roll under gravity into sorting sidings.

This process required a locomotive with significantly higher tractive effort than a standard shunter could provide. Enter the BR Class 13—a purpose-built solution created by coupling together two modified Class 08s.

Inside the Class 13: Design, Power and Purpose

Built at BR’s Darlington Works in 1965, each Class 13 locomotive consisted of a “master” and “slave” unit, converted from six original Class 08s. The slave units had their cabs removed and were controlled from the master unit through multi-working equipment. To increase traction, heavy steel plates were added to the bufferbeams.

Special in-cab signalling and radio systems allowed the Class 13s to communicate with the Tinsley control tower, enhancing efficiency and safety during yard operations.

Class 13 Livery and Formation Changes

Initially painted in BR Green with wasp stripes, the Class 13s were first coupled cab-to-cab. However, visibility issues prompted a reconfiguration: the slave unit was placed in front of the master, both facing radiator-first. This new setup led to additional wasp striping for safety and improved crew sightlines.

Decline and Withdrawal of the Class 13

Even as Tinsley Yard opened in 1965, British Rail was already facing stiff competition from road freight transport. By the 1970s and early 1980s, wagon-load freight was in steep decline. This rendered massive yards like Tinsley increasingly obsolete.

In December 1984, Tinsley’s arrival sidings and hump were officially closed, marking the end of the line for the Class 13 locomotives. Withdrawals followed in early 1985. Only 13001 and 13003 remained operational at the time, as 13002 had been withdrawn in 1981.

Final Years and Legacy

Although intended solely for yard shunting, each of the three Class 13s received a major overhaul at Doncaster Works during their service life. Occasionally, in their later years, one might even be seen hauling a local railtour—a rare treat for railfans.

Sadly, all three were ultimately scrapped between 1985 and 1986. 13001 and 13002 were sent to Swindon Works for disposal, while 13003 met its end at Doncaster in September 1986.

Bring the Class 13 to Your Model Railway Layout

Although none of the Class 13s survived into preservation, they live on in model form. Whether you're building a detailed Tinsley Yard diorama or expanding your diesel-era shunting scene, a Class 13 model adds rare operational interest and historical depth.