Bachmann released the first of their N gauge Class 57 locomotives in time for the London Festival of Railway Modelling at the end of March. Two of the four versions of the new model have so far been released. These are Freightliner’s 57003 ‘Freightliner Evolution’ (371-651) and Porterbrook 57601 in the distinctive purple livery (371-653) it carried prior to sale to West Coast Trains.
These models have 6-axle and flywheel drive, directional lighting, detailed cab interior, fine etched steel grilles and are DCC friendly.
The Class 57 fleet made its debut in 1998. Freightliner asked Brush Traction to completely rebuild six former Class 47 locomotives and to fit reconditioned General Motors 645-12E3 engines. A further six locomotives followed between Autumn 1999 and April 2000. The funding for these locomotives was provided by train leasing company Porterbrook.
Keen to test out if a similar rebuild would interest the passenger operators, Porterbrook funded the building of a prototype passenger locomotive with electric train supply (ETS) to power the ancillary equipment such as air conditioning and catering equipment. As this required more power this locomotive had a more powerful General Motors type 645-12E engine fitted. This locomotive became 57601 and emerged in Porterbrook purple livery. It went into service with Great Western Trains hauling sleeper trains to and from the West Country.
Following trials of 57601, First Great Western ordered four 57/6 locomotives of its own (57602-5) which were funded through Porterbrook. These were delivered during 2004 and have been named after West Country castles. These are used on the overnight Sleepers and on some other services when required. No.57601 was returned to Porterbrook and was subsequently sold to West Coast Trains, the charter and short term hire operator based at Carnforth. It now carries that operators maroon livery.
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