Rails/Bachmann McIntosh Class 8 12
◆ GAUGE ‘OO’ ◆ MODEL Rails of Sheffield/Bachmann Branchline 35-283Z McIntosh Caledonian Class 812 0-6-0, BR black, late crest ◆ PRICE £179.95 ◆ AVAILABILITY Rails of Sheffield Tel 0114 255 1436 Web www.railsofsheffield.com
For those of us who are inclined to look northwards for inspiration, the arrival of a new model based on a prototype that remained well away from the southern reaches of England is welcome. Scottishbased steam traction has often been overlooked, especially types built before the Grouping of 1922, despite the endless modelling possibilities that Scottish-based layouts offer.
Rails of Sheffield commissioned Bachmann Branchline to replicate the Caledonian Railway’s Class 812 0-6-0 and, after being on sale for a short time, sales have been brisk, to say the least. A number of versions were produced, depicting the McIntoshdesigned locomotives in original and modified condition, with livery options to suit. The gorgeous Caledonian lined blue versions had just sold out as I write this, while LMS and BR black options were also selling extremely well.
Under review here we have a late crest BR version, depicting No. 57566 in its latter days. Indeed, the 67D shedcode places it at Ardrossan shed (Ayrshire), where it was based between 1957 and its eventual withdrawal in August 1963, whereupon it was preserved. While No. 57566 was originally fitted with Westinghouse pumps, the equipment was removed in BR days.