The Class 08 Diesel Shunter was BR’s most numerous diesel locomotive type (totalling more than 1,000 examples alongside its Class 09 and Class 10 counterparts) and models of this icon have long been a staple of the Bachmann Branchline range. However, this brand-new 08 owes nothing to its predecessors and finally brings the story of the humble diesel shunter right up to date with this most accurate of OO scale renditions.

Constructed from high fidelity mouldings, the new Branchline model employs a wealth of separately fitted details, including various metal components, and offers countless combinations of details and variations to allow individual locomotives to be modelled accurately at a chosen time in history. This external beauty is brought to life by the exquisite livery application which uses true-to-prototype colours, fonts and logos – extending beyond the exterior to the cab interior which itself is highly detailed and decorated accordingly.

Meanwhile, ‘under the bonnet’ the model boasts a high specification that utilises the latest advancements in model railway technology. For the first time a full suite of lighting, including up to 13 separate lights, is fitted and can be enjoyed by both analogue and DCC users – whilst the new shunter is the first model to employ Bachmann’s Bach-Up stay alive system, providing DCC users with a reserve power supply for uninterrupted running even on dirty or uneven track. There’s no better locomotive than the Class 08/09 to feature Bachmann Auto-Release Coupling System, providing handsfree DCC uncoupling at the press of a button – making this a true shunter in miniature – so be sure to opt for one of our SOUND FITTED DELUXE versions for your own authentic shunting experience.

• Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
• Era 7
• Pristine BR Blue livery
• Running No. 08329
• Equipped with a Plux22 DCC Decoder Socket – recommended Decoder item No. 36-570B
• Length 122mm

DETAIL VARIATIONS SPECIFIC TO THIS MODEL

• Angle Section Main Frames
• Concealed Bodyside Door Hinges
• Radiator Ladders Removed
• Wooden Cab Door
• LMS Pattern Buffers
• Vacuum Brakes Only
• 4 Front Marker Lights (top light with square bottom housing, lower lights with rounded bottom housings)
• 4 Front Lamp Irons (top lamp iron of stepped profile)
• 4 Rear Marker Lights (top light with square bottom housing, lower lights with rounded bottom housings)
• 4 Rear Lamp Irons
• Standard Cab Panel (without Stiffening Ribs)
• Whistle
• Cab Roof Vent
• Bonnet Side Grab Handles

BACHMANN BRANCHLINE CLASS 08/09 SPECIFICATION

MECHANISM:

• 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
• 5mm (OO gauge) wheels to NEM310 & NEM311 standards with authentic profile and detailing
• Detachable coupling pockets to NEM362 standards fitted at both ends
• Auto-Release Couplings fitted at both ends – DCC operated, hands-free uncoupling with the press of a function button (SOUND FITTED DELUXE models only)
• Designed to operate on curves of second radius (438mm) or greater

DETAILING:

• Precision moulded bodyshell and frames/running board with numerous separately fitted parts including ladders, 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, model-specific bufferbeam pipework and accessory parts including screw-link couplings (cosmetic)

LIGHTING:

• Fully operational front and rear lights with two, four or six lights dependent on the prototype being modelled
• Eight microswitches (easily accessed via the removable, clip-on roof panel) allowing user-configuration of the front and rear lights when operated on DCC or Analogue control
• Shunting lights (one red and one white light at each end) operated via a dedicated function on DCC, or using an easy access microswitch on Analogue control
• Cab light operated via a dedicated function on DCC, or using an easy access microswitch on Analogue control
• Front and rear lights can be turned on/off independently via two dedicated functions on DCC, or using two easy access microswitches on Analogue control
• Authentic light colours and temperatures selected for each model based on era and application

DCC:

• Plux22 DCC decoder interface
• Easy-access DCC decoder socket via a removable roof panel – secured by clips for ensured fit and alignment
• Bach-Up Stay Alive System providing uninterrupted power to prevent stalling, light flicker and sound cut-outs (operates on DCC only)

SOUND:

• A quality speaker employed for optimum sound reproduction, fitted to every model as standard
• Zimo MS450P22 DCC Sound Decoder fitted to SOUND FITTED and SOUND FITTED DELUXE versions
• Sound files produced specifically for the Bachmann Branchline Class 08 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

LIVERY APPLICATION:

• Authentic liveries applied to all models
• Multiple paint applications employed on each model using BR and corporate specification colours
• Logos, numerals and text added as appropriate using multi-stage tampo printing using authentic typefaces, logos and colours
• In addition, where applicable Etched Nameplates are also provided

CLASS 08 HISTORY

The first diesel shunters were pioneered by the LMS which began trialling designs during the 1930s. It soon became apparent that this form of traction offered many advantages over the steam locomotive – the former being ‘ready to use’ as and when required, whereas steam locos had to be kept at the ready even when not required immediately – with the obvious staffing and fuel costs associated with doing so. By the time of Nationalisation in 1948, the LMS had built various shunters, and the 12033 series was adopted by BR as the basis for a new standard design of diesel-electric shunting locomotive. As a stop gap whilst the Class 08 was being developed, BR constructed further 12033 series locomotives, and these would later be designated as Class 11s.

Production of the 08s began in 1952 with the first example, No. 13000, entering traffic in 1953. Construction continued until 1962 and during the ten-year period, 996 locomotives were built making the Class 08 the most numerous of all British locomotive classes. In addition, construction of the near-identical Class 09s (26 examples) and Class 10s (171) took the total well above a thousand – the former differed in having higher gearing whilst the latter had different engines and transmission.

Built ‘in-house’ at BR’s Crewe, Darlington, Derby, Doncaster and Horwich Works, the 08s were allocated across the BR regions, with many being based at major stations and terminals where stock was marshalled and positioned ready for service, where trains were divided or merged, and of course at many freight facilities. Although they had a top speed of just 15 mph, what the 08s lacked in speed they more than made up for with tractive effort which was more than double that of the 03s and 04s.

Although the first example was withdrawn in 1967, just four had gone prior to the introduction of TOPS and despite an ever-decreasing need for shunting locomotives, around a quarter of the Class remained in traffic at the start of the 21st century. Upon Privatisation of British Rail in 1994, EWS inherited many of the survivors, with others going to passenger operators for use as depot shunters. More than a decade later EWS was still operating over 40 of the shunters, with many more in store. Even today, Class 08s can still be found earning their keep at numerous depots, freight facilities and railway workshops. Meanwhile, ever since the first withdrawals, Class 08s have been popular machines with heritage railways and today, more than 80 have found a new lease of life in preservation – often carrying out similar tasks to those for which they were designed some seven decades ago.