Bachmann Freightliner Class 70 31-586
The new 75 mph Co-Co ‘PowerHaul’ locomotives, built by General Electric USA for heavy freight work, feature innovative designs such as 'Dynamic Braking' and AC traction technology. They are intended for use across all parts of the extensive Freightliner route network. The first two of the 129 tonne locomotives were unveiled to invited guests on the 8th November 2009 at Newport Docks.
The model was developed in co-operation with General Electric and Freightliner and the models have elaborate fan detail, multifunctional lighting control and DCC21 decoder sockets enabling sound to be added. The bag-o'-bits contains ploughs that may be fitted below the cab front, an assortment of pipes and cable connections and one coupling (the other being already fitted. These fit in NEM sockets.
Whether you like the prototype's design or consider it ugly, the model is certainly a work of art, with excellent printing and fine detail. Its 442g weight will allow it to pull good sized trains. Underneath the model there are three light switches which control the cab lights, tail light and the third one switches the light beam to high intensity. The example pictured here is 70003.
Can I finally say what a pleasure it is to have better printed instructions from Bachmann. In the past I have been critical of their absence, but now a greater effort is made to inform the buyer as to how to remove the body and where the 'add-ons' should go. Thank you Bachmann.