Bachmann 9F

Class 9F 2-10-0 standard 92192 with double chimney and BR1F tender in BR black with late crest

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Prototype Info

After experience gained with the War Department locomotives during the Second World War, the newly formed British Railways under R.A. Riddles opted for a 2-10-0 heavy freight locomotive as part of its range of Standard locomotive classes.

Design work commenced at Brighton and Derby in 1951. A total of 251 locomotives were ordered. 10 of these, 92020-92029, were a different design known as Franco-Costi with an additional boiler that  ran under the main boiler, taking the firebox gases back from the smokebox to a chimney on the right side of the locomotive forward of the cab. Crew built 198 and Swindon 53, with construction spread over several batches. Numbered 92000-92250.

After the publication of the "Modernisation of British Railways" in 1955, the emphasis changed towards diesel and electric traction. Steam locomotive construction continued and in 1960 the last 9F and the last steam locomotive to be built for British Railways emerged from Swindon Works. As befitted such an occasion this locomotive, No. 92220, was the only one not to carry unlined black. Instead it was turned out in the lined passenger green livery and named 'Evening Star'.

Although officially freight locomotives; they could also be found on passenger trains, particularly over steep graded lines such as the famous Somerset & Dorset line between Bath Green Park and Bournemouth West. 92220 'Evening Star' operated the Capital's United Express between Cardiff and London in July 1960, reaching 90mph. Concerns about the durability of the locomotive brought this to a rapid end.

The first 9F was withdrawn in May 1964 and by June 1968 the last of them had been laid aside. Fortunately Nine 9Fs have survived, these being 92134, 92203 Black Prince, 92207, 92212, 92214, 92219, 92220 Evening Star, 92240 and 92245.

Three 9F models have been released. They have been eagerly awaited and at the time of writing are being snapped up rapidly. 92220 "Evening Star" seems to be the most popular at it was the last of the BR Steam locos and is well known.

Model # 32-850
Class 9F standard 92220 "Evening Star" with BR1G tender in BR green with late crest.

Model # 32-851
Class 9F standard 92192 with double chimney and BR1F tender in BR black with late crest.

Model # 32-852
Class 9F standard 92116 with single chimney and BR1C tender in BR black with early emblem.

The model I chose is the # 32-851 Class 9F standard 92192 with double chimney. It has a 'workhorse' look and feel. Dirt and grime will add to the charm of this powerful loco. It can be put to good use hauling freight around the layout.

It was built as an exercise in function over form, but ends up looking strong and sleek. It has a job to do and there is no question that it will be carried out as required.

The detail kit was added. It comes with some optional parts: cylinder steam pipes, hoses and front loco steps. These would interfere with coupling from the front and running on tight radius curves with the coupling hook attached.

The tender on this particular model comes with a full load of coal. The tender coupling arm has two positions to attach the tender which allow a close couple and another a little further apart for tighter radius cornering. There is no electrical pickup from the tender.

The choice of decoder is the Lenz Gold-JST Silent-Back EMF DCC Decoder (Article Nr. 10433).

The decoder can handle a continuous current draw of 1.0 Amp with a peak current for short periods of 1,8 A. Some of the main features are:

 - July 2006

Update (August 2006)

I did have a problem with the loco, a broken drive gear, but it arrived like that and was easy to fix. I've documented the repair on the forum here.

So now I have run the loco up and down my new track that is slowly being built. I spent about an hour gently running it up and down my 1:40 gradient. I added some load (1, 2, 3 & 4 wagons with loads of screws) and it went very well. There was a bit of juddering, but I suppose it was more to do with all the man-handled running gear being pushed around whilst I was taking the thing apart and working on it. I gave it an oil and it went much better. I noticed that the loco by itself is very smooth. Add the tender and it waggles a bit. Perhaps the tender has an axel that is not 100% straight. The loco managed to out pull a Hornby A4, but still failed to match the paired up Class 20's which is understandable as they do have 2 bigger motors, bigger fly-wheels and all-wheel-drive. The 9F uses a smaller, less powerful motor - obviously so that it fits into the body of the loco.

Overall impression: A great looking loco. Runs well and is an efficient work-horse for any late period steam or transition layout. This has been an eagerly awaited model. And I can't remember a model getting so much press on it's release. I'm sure Bachmann are happy and hopefully they will continue to produce exciting models such as this.

All text, model photos & graphics ©2006 Doug Teggin - All rights reserved.