LNER O4 Class 2-8-0 to be produced by Bachmann Branchline

Bachmann Europe PLC is to produce an OO scale LNER Class O4 2-8-0 heavy freight steam locomotive in the Branchline range. A model of this locomotive has been much requested by railway modellers in recent years.

131 locomotives were built by the Great Central Railway from 1911 onwards to the designs of John G. Robinson, Chief Mechanical Engineer. During Great Central days these were designated the 8K Class. During World War 1, additional locomotives were built by the Government organisation (the Railway Operating Division) for use at home and abroad. Some saw service with the Great Western Railway. The London & North Eastern Railway classified them as Class O4 and purchased an additional 273 locomotives from the Railway Operating Division. Used on heavy freight trains, the first locomotive was withdrawn by British Railways in 1959 and the last in 1966. One locomotive (No. 63601) has been preserved as part of the National Collection.

Three models will be released initially; № 63601 in BR black livery with late crest will be released as part of the NRM Heritage range (31-101), № 63635 in BR black with early emblem (31-102) and № 3693 in LNER black (31-102). The model will incorporate a 21pin decoder socket.

These OO models will retail at 124.95 and will be released over the next 18 months.

BE 2009-4

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 847097