All-new BR 4MT 4-6-0 from Bachmann

Bachmann is to replace its ageing BR 4MT 4-6-0 with an all-new model. The plan was announced at the company’s annual open day on July 23, alongside several other new developments in ‘N’ and ‘OO’. On show for the first time were pre-production models of the forthcoming ‘OO’ LMS ‘Jubilee’ 4-6-0s, with three alternative tenders (riveted and welded Stanier 4,000gal and Fowler 3,500gal) and both long and short firebox variants. A fourth tender is planned for the ‘Jubilee’ and several other features are now confirmed. The models will have an opening smokebox door, very fine motion and wheels, sliding cab roof vent and a tender designed to accommodate a speaker for DCC sound. Also on show were prototypes of the Bachmann ‘low emission’ Class 66 variant (pictured), Irish 141/181 Class diesel, new 12 ton ventilated and insulated vans and more. On the Graham Farish ‘N’ scale side, promising prototypes of the Class 220 Virgin Voyager, LMS Stanier 57ft Brake Third, intermodal bogie twin wagons and Class 66/9 were on show alongside three variants of the forthcoming all-new Class 37/0. Tooling work is now complete for the 4-car ‘Voyager’ and the first models are expected to be available in time for Christmas. For 1:32 scale Gauge ‘1’, Bachmann Brassworks has added a GWR ‘57XX’ 0-6-0PT to the ‘J94’ and LMS ‘Jinty’ already available. A GWR ‘45XX’ 2-6-2T is in the pipeline. September issue of Model Rail magazine (on sale August 19) will feature lots more information on all these models and images from the open day.