Bachmann Class 55 BR Blue 32-530DS
The Class 55 ('Deltic') model dates from 2003 and 23 versions of it have been produced by Bachmann. There were only 22 members of the class and Bachmann have used 15 of their names so far - so, obviously, some of the 23 models had repeat names but changed liveries. Sadly, the demise of the class due to the introduction of HSTs, meant that they went through just two liveries before being withdrawn from service - BR two tone green and Corporate blue.
The 'Deltics' were based on the prototype Deltic built by the English Electric Company and which has also been modelled by Bachmann. The only region to order any was the Eastern Region who used their 22 machines to replace 55 ECML Pacific locomotives. The 'Deltics' were shedded at London, Gateshead and Edinburgh and were finally withdrawn in 1982 after 20 years service. Six have been preserved.
One that did not survive into preservation was the first member of the class, 55001 St Paddy, which is represented with our review model. It is in its final livery of BR Rail blue and is fitted with a sound chip to recreate that distinctive 'Deltic' sound. This is very realistic with the distict sound of one of the Napier engines starting before the other. There is a single and two-tone horn, brake sounds - all very convincing and will be popular with deltic fans.
This is the first time that the St Paddy name has been used on the Bachmann model although it had been used on the Hornby Dublo 3-rail model in 1962 and by Lima on two of their models.
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