Bachmann Press Releases

A brand new Class 03 returns to Branchline catalogue

Bachmann Europe PLC is to produce a brand new OO scale Class 03 diesel shunter locomotive. The earlier Class 03 tooling was sacrificed in the production of the Class 04 back in 1997 and cannot be reused. The new version will be totally retooled and encompass a new chassis with an 8 pin DCC decoder socket.

230 locomotives were built by British Railways at Doncaster and Swindon from 1957 until 1962. They were allocated across all regions for pilot or shunting duties and were the second largest class of diesel shunters in service with British Railways. Withdrawal from British Railways service began in 1963 but they were still functioning in private industry service until 1993. Although all but one has now been withdrawn from active service (one remains with First Capital Connect as a depot shunter at Hornsey following reinstatement in 1998) over 50 have been preserved for use on heritage railways.

Three versions will initially be available; D2011 in BR plain green livery (31-360), D2388 in BR green with wasp stripes (31-361) and 03094 in BR blue with wasp stripes and air tanks (31-362).

These OO models will retail at 52.95 and will be released over the next 18 months.

BE 2009-6

23 February 2009

-ends-

For further information please contact :

Dennis Lovett, Public Relations Manager,

Bachmann Europe PLC, Moat Way, Barwell, Leicestershire, LE9 8EY

Telephone: +44 (0) 1455 841756

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