Bachmanns' model of a BR all-purpose class 47 locomotive features a detailed bodyshell incorporating many of the changes made to the roof grilles (eg changed radiator vents) and ends modified due to repairs and modifications. Separately fitted parts allow for equipment changes like brake systems and ETH cabling to be applied correctly to each model. Inside the shell a heavy diecast chassis and centrally mounted motor driving all six axles provides weight and power for hauling realistic trains with ease.
This model is an exclusive edition for Bachmann's South West region representative and will be available from our Plymouth shop on release. Models can be forwarded to any other Antics shop for collection or delivered to you by post.
Completed at BRs Crewe workshops and accepted into service on the 13th of February 1965 as D1660 this locomotive was allocated to the Western region and sent new to Swansea Landore shed. Working alongside the Western regions named hydraulic locomotives many of the class 47s were also named. D1660 was named CITY OF TRURO (all capitals style), continuing the name of the GWRs 100mph record holding Churchward 4-4-0, by Dr Mabel Andrews, Mayor of Truro, at Truro station on the 8th of June.
Renumbered as TOPS class 47 number 47076 in February 1974 the locomotive remained allocated to the Western region, being sent for fitted with electric train heating supply equipment in 1984, gaining the new 47/4 series number 47625, still painted in the standard BR blue livery. As a eth fitted locomotive 47625 CITY OF TRURO worked from London Old Oak Common, Cardiff Canton and Bristol Bath Road sheds, so would have worked throughout the western region and into the Midlands with trains to Birmingham and on to the North East.
The City of Truro nameplates were removed in the autumn of 1988 when 47625 was repainted into the unbranded InterCity mainline livery before being transferred to the parcels business sector and gaining the name Resplendent in 1991. Renumbered as parcels dedicated fleet 47749 the name changed to Atlantic College in 1995, though the nameplates were reported as removed in early 1999. Withdrawn from service with EWS in 2004 47749 was sold to Colas Rail and reactivated in 2007 following an overhaul at Eastleigh works and named Demelza.
On the 30th of April 2016 an open day was held at Bristol St Phillips Marsh shed to mark the 40th anniversary of HST services on the Western region and, during the day, 47749's CITY OF TRURO name was restored with the original all capitals style plates.
During 2017 47749 has been hired by GB Railfreight (GBRf) for hauling the Caledonian Sleeper service and in December the loco was one of a batch of 3 class 47s purchased from Colas by GBRf.