First review
Bachmann Class 20/0
◆ GAUGE ‘OO’ ◆ MODEL Bachmann Branchline BR Class 20/0 Bo-Bo ◆ PRICE £179.95 ◆ AVAILABILITY Bachmann stockists Web www.bachmann.co.uk
Precipitated by Bachmann’s desire to recreate the Direct Rail Services Class 20/3 sub-class, this all-new Class 20/0 is a very welcome upgrade on the company’s previous Type 1. Released way back in 2004, Bachmann’s original Class 20 was excellent for its time but, despite a few upgrades over the ensuing years, it still lagged behind newer, contemporary ‘OO’ products, especially in terms of working lights and DCC specification.
Having been redesigned from the ground up and featuring a PluX22 decoder interface, pre-installed speaker (across all versions), working head/tail lighting and a fully detailed – and illuminated – cab interior, this new Class 20 is very much in keeping with Bachmann’s recent diesel-outline releases.
We reviewed the DRS Class 20/3 in March 2021 (MR284) and, after an enforced production delay, the earlier BR-era versions are now available. Three livery options are on offer, ranging from original all-over green (as D8015) to Railfreight grey, with a BR blue example sitting in the middle in terms of period. Each is available in DCC-ready and DCC sound-fitted format.