|
Bachmann Model Railway Locomotive Reviews -
BR Standard 76000 4MT
Author
"Daniel
Hull"
(forum member)
 Bachmann
00 BR Standard 76000 4MT
(32-592)"
Rating 9/10
The
Standard 76000 4MT was introduced in 1952, designed by riddles,
the man responsible for all the BR standard classes, it was
based on the Ivatt “Mucky Duck” 4mt 2-6-0 (Also made by
Bachmann), the design was followed quite closely, matching the
cylinder sizes, wheelbase and boiler pressures etc, however the
76000 were a lot more aesthetically pleasing than their ex LMS
ancestors. The design used the standard chimney and cab.
Built
at Doncaster and Horwich the 76000 class could be found on
Eastern, London Midland, Scottish and Southern regions. The
southern region engine all having BR1B 4725 gallon tenders,
unlike the other examples which used the smaller BR2 and BR2A
tenders with a 3,500 gallon capacity.
They
were used regularly on secondary and cross country passenger
duties, being synonymous with workings such as the Portsmouth to
Cardiff run. British Railways Black was carried throughout and
both crests were carried according to the period. Three examples
have been preserved, 76017, 76079 and 76084, 76079 being a
regular on both the East Lancashire Railway and the mainline,
having been down running the Cambrian Coast Express for the last
3 summers.
Again
Bachmann have done themselves proud as you can see, the
appearance of the model is fantastic, but there is one detail
missing which I am surprised Bachmann have left out! The example
I have here is 76079 (32-952) and as far as I’ve researched the
engine had a speedometer cable on the rear left wheel all it’s
working and preserved life, now Bachmann I seem to remember
claiming being the first model maker to put speedometer cables
on their locomotives, to name a couple the standard 5mt and 4mt
tank had them, but this one doesn’t. Apart from that the model
looks the part, the tender is closer coupled than the 9F and
with the fittings added looks right. Even with the fittings
fitted it will go round 2nd radius curves, but make
sure the vacuum pipes on the front do not foul the front
coupling, I had mine chuck itself at the scenery before I worked
that out.
It
runs well out the box as we’ve come to expect from Bachmann, but
did have a bit of speed wobble, I found out this was caused by
the valve gear being loose and tightened the screw half a turn
to improve the running. 76079 will haul a decent length train,
and happily goes up grade with 8 coaches on my layout, I don’t
think many more would be tolerated by it though. Another feature
I like was the tender coal, this can be removed and provides
simple scope for detailing with real coal or a lower load of
coal.
Now
for the details, the Bachmann 76000 comes either DCC ready or
DCC fitted, the current examples to choose from are DCC ready -
76079LC, 76069LC and 76053EC and DCC fitted 76020EC, 76079 and
76020 have the BR2 tender and 76069 and 76053 the BR1G.
According to Bachmann’s website 76079 will be available
November/December with the EC as it is currently preserved.
Other features include NEM couplings, sprung buffers, pretty
much standard features of Bachmann models these days. But how
much does it cost I hear you ask, well they retail at £85 DCC
ready and £98 DCC fitted, but however I managed to buy mine for
£74 new including postage, so if you hunt around you may find
them cheaper. Another point I will make is of the 4 already
released they are easy enough to find except 76079LC (the one I
have) which is getting harder to find.
Standard 76000 4MT Features:
NEM
couplings
Sprung Buffers
DCC ready or fitted
Removable tender coal
Overall: So to put it
briefly, the Bachmann 76000 is stunning to look at, and looks
better with the fittings added, runs well from the box, but may
have factory imperfections that need adjusting. If running on
tight curves, adjust the vacuum pipes or take off the front
coupling. Its available with different tenders, either DCC ready
or fitted, all in all a nice purchase that will fit into most
steam era layouts.
So to
conclude I give this model 9/10 because it’s very good, but I’m
not sure about the speedometer cable being right, and I also had
to tighten a screw on the valve gear. Apart from this it is near
perfect.
Standard
76000 4MT Pictures:
[back to the top]
Bachmann Diesel and Electric Review
List
Steam Locomotive Review List
|
