Bachmann OO 35-351 BR D8015 EE type 1 Bo-Bo Class 20 Diesel BR Green Late Crest
Bachmann have completely re-tooled their BR class 20 models allowing for even more detail variations to be recreated along with a full upgrade of the chassis for DCC and sound compatibility.
Ordered under the British Railways diesel pilot scheme the English Electric type 1s were the first British diesel locomotives designed for series production, not just as experimental prototypes, to enter service in 1957. Designated as TOPS class 20 in 2020 over 30 were still registered with Network Rail and many more operate on heritage lines.
This model of pilot scheme locomotive D8015 is finished in the initial British Railways locomotive green livery with headcode discs.
The single cab design and low horsepower ratings quickly became a stumbling block for all of the locomotives built for this BR type 1 specification. The single cab meant the drivers' view of the line ahead was severely impaired by the high engine bonnets in at least on direction. In addition the concentration on train-load freight business in the late 1960s reduced the utility of low-powered locomotives. Meanwhile the EE locomotives, becoming class 20 under the TOPS system in the early 1970s, had proven considerably more reliable than the competing type 1 designs and 228 locomotives had been built between 1957 and 1968, including a batch of 100 ordered to replace another type 1 design.
As BR reacted to the need for higher horsepower locomotives to haul the longer and heavier freight trains many of the type 1 classes were regularly used in multiple and this was to prove the greatest strength of the EE class 20 design. Unlike the off-center cab of other type 1 designs the end cab provided an excellent view in one direction, but very poor visibility in the other, but when coupled nose-to-nose there was always a cab leading. In addition the combined locomotives' installed horsepower was now 2,000bhp, the starting point of BRs type 4 power class, and with 8 axles a pair of 20s would often be able to haul more than a single 6-axle locomotive, especially when have to start MGR trains over the uneven track in colliery sidings.
Although withdraws started around 1980 for locomotives in poor condition many new uses have been found for class 20s, including 'top-and-tail' operations for weed control and Sandite trains and after privatisation as spot-hire locomotives, often used for stock transfer trains. Of the more than 20 'preserved' several are among the roughly 30 locomotives still registered for mainline operation alongside small fleets operated by DRS and Harry Needle.