The Mk2Fs were the final evolution of the Mk2 family, British Rail’s second generation of standard coach design, and these coaches featured full air conditioning, interior panelling made of plastic, a new style of seating and tinted windows. Initially only three types were built, Tourist Second Opens, First Opens and Brake Second Opens, but some First Opens were later converted into Restaurant First Buffets, whilst several Brake Second Opens were fitted with a driving cab at one end, becoming Driving Brake Second Opens for push-pull use.
When it comes to the Bachmann Branchline model, we’ve gone to great lengths to replicate every detail of the Mk2F in miniature. The Distinctive Mk2 shape is captured to a tee whilst on the roof, the ventilators are expertly moulded, and the toilet panels are completed with metal wire grab handles. Each end features separately fitted metal handrails, the corridor gangway doors are modelled faithfully, even down to the two small windows, and the end footsteps at each corner are also included. Additional accessories are supplied which can be fitted to the ends, including the ETH socket and cabling, a choice of interchangeable tail lamps and lamp brackets, and alternative buffers allowing users to choose between extended or retracted buffers.
On the bodysides each door is complete with hinges, handles and even door bumper details, whilst the flush, tinted glazing gives these coaches their characteristic streamlined appearance. Part way through their careers the Mk2Fs were fitted with door interlock lights, and these too are modelled where appropriate. Take a look below the solebar and you will find a full complement of equipment – all necessary for the braking, electrical and air-conditioning systems.
The B4 bogies are fitted with metal wheelsets that run in metal bearings, with each bogie constructed from several components to ensure that the springs, suspension, brakes and, where relevant, footsteps can all be modelled in full relief. The tension lock couplings fit into NEM pockets that are mounted on a close-coupling mechanism which is fitted to the coach floor, operating in tandem with the bogie as it turns. Inside each model is an interior featuring the prototypical layout of tables and chairs, and brake vehicles even contain the luggage compartment caging, whilst the livery application is nothing short of exceptional, using authentic colours, logos and fonts to give every model an exquisite appearance.
The icing on the cake of this DCC On Board model is the full suite of lighting that is controlled by an integrated DCC Decoder. When used on DCC up to five lighting features can be enjoyed namely the passenger saloon lighting, guard’s compartment lights (where applicable), Door interlock lights (where applicable and each side of the coach is controlled separately) and the tail light which can be set to flash or be constantly on or off – both battery and oil lamps are provided along with a lamp bracket ‘blank’ allowing full customisation of the tail lamp feature to suit any scenario. When used on analogue control, interior lights and the tail lamps will work when power is applied – the latter being switchable between flashing, constant on or off using the switch mounted within the chassis of the model.
MODEL FEATURES:
- Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
- Era 7
- Pristine BR Blue & Grey (Inter-City) livery
- Running No. M9516
- Interior Lighting
- Working Tail Lights – Switchable between Flashing/On/Off and with interchangeable lamps/brackets
- DCC On Board – Integrated DCC Decoder provides full DCC control of the light features
- Accessory Pack
- NEM Coupling Pockets
- Close Coupling Mechanism
- Length 273mm (over couplings)
