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Bachmann V2 31-550B


This time we're looking at the Bachmann V2 model number 31-550B 4471 Green Arrow.
This is another model that I recently rediscovered whilst looking for something else. I know it's quite an old model, being released about 7 years ago.
It has an updated Chassis of an older split chassis model, but the body and tender remain the same.
Why am I reviewing it, good question!
It was left to me by my dear friend Ken Goslin, he was 85 when he died and his wife had only permitted him a model railway 6 years previously. I would help him with electronics track laying and anything else he didn't quite understand.
As you can see, I’ll have do drill the chimney out and file that seam/mold line out at some time!
Removing the body is just 2 screws, giving us access to fit a DCC decoder. Its a hell of a lot easier than the split Chassis version, of which I did quite a few when I worked part time in the model shop.
Next to the standard Bachmann motor, which gives time tested reliable performance, is the 8 pin DCC socket. A slot for the decoder further forward moulded into the Chassis block. With a bit of jiggery-pokery it is possible to fit a sound decoder and speaker.
Yellow overhead warning flashes decorated the model as per the real thing. I backdated these to the red version, for I model the late 1970’s era. When I eventually detail this model up though, they’ll have to be removed, as it ran without any in that period.

The real engine was built in 1936 by the LNER to a design of my namesake, Nigel Gresley.
V2 class with 2-6-2 wheel arrangement, makes it in what I would term, a mixed traffic locomotive. Equally happy trundling along with a freight train, or zipping city to city with an express passenger service.
Renumbered 800 in 1946 by the LNER in view of the impending takeover by British Rail. It was renumbered again by BR in 1949 to 60800 lasting another 13 years in service until being Withdrawn in 1962.
Earmarked for preservation, it would see a variety of different homes until being fully restored, returning to the mainline in 1973.

The model runs a lot smoother on the new chassis, and is a worthy addition to the layout that I can utilise on Steam Charter trains.

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