Model manufacturer Bachmann has revealed the new releases that it expects to arrive between now and Christmas.

Class 74 EDs

Bachmann revealed its OO Scale Class 74 Electro-Diesels (EDs) earlier this year, and has now announced that the first three models have arrived.

These cover nos. E6101 (E82006), E6104 (E82007) and 74007 (E82008). It also revealed other new models at the same time.

British Rail Class 74 electro-diesel locomotives operated on BR’s Southern Region, and were rebuilt from redundant Class 71 locomotives in the late 1960s.

The model company has refined several aspects of its Class 74 model since first unveiling the prototype.

It has corrected the front buffer beam, improved the fit and finish of the handrails and glazing, and used an authentic rendition of British Rail’s Blue paint scheme, including full yellow ends. Bachmann is now confident that these models are the best yet from its EFE Rail brand.

The Class 74 models are powered by a high-quality coreless motor, which drives both bogies and all the axles. Every wheel on the model provides electrical collection.

Digital Command Control (DCC) is provided via a 21-pin decoder socket. There is space for modellers to fit a speaker.

As there are minor differences between different Class 74 locomotives, there are also these differences between the models.

The picture below shows no. 74010 on the left and no. 74007. In the 1970s, loco 74010 was fitted with cab ventilators in the A-pillars, a feature which is incorporated into the EFE Rail model.

Both analogue and DCC users will have illumination in their models, including cab lighting and illuminated blinds at each end.

Other features of the models include NEM coupling pockets, sprung buffers with etched metal grilles, and separate metal handrails. The models also boast a complete set of cab-end cables and bufferbeam pipework, some of which the user can choose to fit using pieces in the accessory pack.

Nos. 74010 (E82009) and 74009 (E82010) in early December. 74009 has a weathered finish to its BR Blue paintwork.

The Class 74 models are available at prices starting at £214.95.

Isle of Wight coaches

The first of Bachmann’s EFE Rail OO Scale Isle of Wight Coach Packs have arrived. The packs include four coaches each, which are modelled on the former London, Brighton and South Coast Railway (LBSCR) vehicles. These were sent to the Isle of Wight in the late 1930s.

The four models have accurate numbering, including set numbers on the outer ends.

Bachmann expects to receive two further packs of Isle of Wight coaches before Christmas. These represent the coaches during their early years of operating on the Island. Their liveries are Southern Railway’s Maunsell Green with full lining (E86021) or Malachite Green (E86022), which is brighter.

Each pack of four coaches is boxed in presentation packaging. The recommended retail price is £269.95.

A special twin pack for the Isle of Wight Railway will also arrive in December, containing two coaches of this type.