Bachmann Europe PLC announced new models today (24th January 2007) at the opening of the 2007 British Toy & Hobby Fair held at ExCel in London's Docklands.
The OO scale Bachmann Branchline range sees the addition of one new steam locomotive, the much requested G2a Class 0-8-0 better known as Super Ds
(left). These will be joined by the Class 150 diesel multiple unit, 4Cep electric multiple unit, Class 66/9 diesel, Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0, Standard 76000 2-6-0 and the LMS 4-6-0 locomotives (Patriot, Rebuilt Patriot, Royal Scot, Rebuilt Royal Scot and Jubilee). In addition Bachmann will be introducing 3 new wagon types (VDA, BDA bogie bolster and a series of ventilated vans).
In N gauge, Graham Farish are introducing two new steam locomotives, one new diesel locomotive, two modern high speed diesel multiple units and five new wagon types. 2007 will also see the delivery of the Class 150 diesel multiple unit, Class 42 Warship diesel, the Standard Class 3MT 2-6-2, Jubilee Class 4-6-0 and the Stanier coaches previously announced.
The Underground Ernie range of OO gauge electric trains will also be expanded considerably following the successful launch of the Circle train set last November. Additional trains in the form of Bakerloo, Jubilee and Victoria will be added, along with a range of track packs, buildings and accessories to complete the track mat included with the initial set.
The new Dynamis Digital Control System was also launched and this will be available in the Spring. The new system is fully NMRA compliant.
Garden Railways will also see a major boost during 2007 with the release of the Class 66 locomotive by Aristocraft and the development of intermodal wagons for it to pull.
New models will also appear in the Liliput, Bachmann American and Bachmann Chinese ranges and these will be announced at Toy Fairs over the next few weeks.
Graham Hubbard, Managing Director of Bachmann Industries PLC states '2007 promises to be even busier than last year when we introduced many new products and gained the world wide license for Underground Ernie. For the first time at a London Toy Fair we can show not only our highly regarded scale models but a range that will interest toy retailers. Our Underground Ernie range offers excellent value for money and provides plenty of play opportunities as well'.
Further news from the Toy Fair:
Bachmann to produce Super D 0-8-0
Bachmann Europe PLC announced today (24th January 2007) at the opening of the 2006 British Toy & Hobby Fair held at ExCel in London�s Docklands that a London & North Western Railway G2a Class locomotive is to be produced. These locomotives are better known as Super D�s.
The building of the first London & North Western 0-8-0 locomotive commenced in 1892 to Webb�s design and a total of 509 locomotives went on to be built with modifications under the leadership of Whale, Bowen-Cooke and Beames. Further modifications were carried out under Hughes and Stanier. Initially conceived as a three cylinder compound they were followed by four cylinder versions after which Whale set about converting them to two cylinder simple engines. Whilst some locomotives retained the original boiler, others were fitted with the G Class boiler. Beginning in 1912 a superheated boiler was introduced.
The last development of the 0-8-0s was the introduction of the G2 Class in 1921 to the design of Charles J. Bowen-Cooke, though the order was placed under the tenure of Captain H.P.M. Beames, who succeeded Bowen-Cooke as Chief Mechanical Engineer.
The G2 �s were introduced between November 1921 and October 1922 and were a development of the earlier G1 Class. During their careers the locomotives received a Belpaire firebox to replace the round top design they received initially.
The locomotives worked all over the former London & North Western sections of the LMS and later British Railways. They were particularly useful pulling heavy freight trains on steeply graded routes including Shap and routes in Central and South Wales. Indeed the Class could be found from Abergavenny to Carlisle and just about everywhere else in between.
The first locomotives were withdrawn in 1947, with 478 locomotives passing into British Railways ownership the following year. With the introduction of diesels after 1955, major withdrawals commenced. The last of the class was withdrawn in 1964. One locomotive number 49395 was preserved and forms part of the National Collection. It has recently undergone a major overhaul at Pete Waterman�s Crewe works.
Three models are being produced. These are No. 49395 in BR black with early crest and enclosed tender (31-475), No. 9301 in LMS black with tender back cab (31-476) and No. 49094 in BR black with late crest (31-477DC) which has DCC ON BOARD. The recommended retail price will be �85.95 (DCC ON BOARD version �97.95).
Also:
Underground Ernie network undergoes rapid expansion programme
Following the successful launch of its first Underground Ernie 'Circle' train set in November 2006, Bachmann Europe today announced a major expansion programme for 2007.
Bachmann Europe Plc concluded licensing arrangements with Joella Productions the creators of the Underground Ernie television service in April 2006. Since then the company has developed a range of electric train sets aimed at the younger age group (3+) with a high play value.
Graham Hubbard, Managing Director of Bachmann Europe Plc said today 'this is the first time that we have attended the London Toy Fair with a toy product to support our model ranges. Underground Ernie has created considerable excitement and we were delighted to be able to deliver product in time for Christmas. We believe Underground Ernie will grow in popularity over the next twelve months and we are in a position to announce a rapid expansion programme which will attract a whole new generation to electric train sets'.
The new products include: Bakerloo and Victoria, track packs, buildings and accessories.
