Bachmann Class FNW 150/1 32-925

The Class 150 was a 2008 development by Bachmann and is a beautifully detailed model. The interior detail is provided in the trailer car but the interior of the driving car is taken up with the motor and ballast weights.

The Class 150 'Sprinters' were built by BREL York as semi-fast passenger trains to replace ageing 'heritage' DMUs. Construction of the first batch of 50 units (150/1) started in 1985 and a second batch of 85 units (150/2) in 1987. Both subclass are being modelled by Bachmann. The review model is numbered 150144 and is from the first batch and should soon be in the shops. The cars are numbered '52144' (motor) and '57144' (trailer) and the livery is the dark blue with gold stars of First North Western.

The models have tinted glazing (which makes the filled interior of the driving car less noticeable) and metal-effect window frames. There is also LED directional lighting and a 5-pole motor with flywheel drive has been fitted. All are DCC ready to DC21 standard. Separately provided are a pair of snowploughs, which can be fitted below the cab fronts if the tension-lock couplings are removed, and there is a pair of cosmetic couplings that go with them. There is also the simple coupler to be fitted between the two cars. Of particular note are the much improved instructions and exploded diagram.

The model comes in one of the new design of boxes which allow you to see the actual model without taking it out of the box. The historical notes are now on the reverse of the box so they can be read in the shop.