Penrhyn Mainline Hunslet 2-4-0STT 'Blanche' Ffestiniog Railway Green

The new Bachmann Narrow Gauge model of ‘Blanche’ brings the story of this Mainline Hunslet locomotive right up to date, complementing the model of ‘Blanche’ in her original Penrhyn Quarry Railway condition that is already produced by Bachmann in OO9 scale. Our latest release depicts ‘Blanche’ in her current condition as a 2-4-0 Saddle Tank with Tender (2-4-0STT) and carrying the vibrant Ffestiniog Railway Green livery. 

This model was first announced during the Ffestiniog Railway’s Bygones Weekend. ‘Blanche’ (and sister locomotive ‘Linda’) have called the Ffestiniog Railway home since 1963, and we would like thank the railway for the support and advice they have given so generously during the development of these Bachmann Narrow Gauge models.

Originally built as a 0-4-0ST for the Penrhyn Quarry Railway, ‘Blanche’ was purchased by the Ffestiniog Railway in 1963 and underwent conversion to left-hand drive, was fitted with a tender and had her cab profile modified. In 1971 she was converted to oil firing, and was rebuilt as a 2-4-0STT and fitted with new piston valve cylinders the following year. Converted back to coal firing in 2014, this Bachmann Narrow Gauge model depicts ‘Blanche’ in this condition, in which she continues to run today.

These small but mighty models feature a diecast metal saddle tank, cylinder block, frames and footplate; coupled with a precision moulded cab, smokebox and other separate detail components to produce a model that is strong and robust yet intricately detailed. The cab interior is a work of art and through the firebox hole firebox lighting is fitted which operates on both analogue and DCC. Talking of DCC, with a Next18 DCC decoder socket and a pre-fitted speaker it’s easy to convert your model for DCC running – or why not make it even easier and opt for a SOUND FITTED model to really bring your layout to life!

• Bachmann Narrow Gauge OO9 Scale
• Era 9
• Ffestiniog Railway Lined Green livery
• Named ‘Blanche’
• Etched Name Plates and Works Plates included
• Equipped with a Next18 DCC Decoder Socket – Recommended Decoder item No. 36-567B
• Length 118mm

DETAIL VARIATIONS SPECIFIC TO THIS MODEL

• 2-4-0 Wheel Formation
• Welded Saddle Tank
• Open Cab with Tender Cab
• Reprofiled Cab Roof
• Vacuum Brakes Fitted
• Modified Injector Pipework
• Square Sand Pots mounted on the front of the Saddle Tank
• Single Piece Smokebox Handrail
• Left-hand Drive
• Piston Valve Cylinders
• Original Chimney
• Sliding Firebox Door

BACHMANN NARROW GAUGE MAINLINE HUNSLET SPECIFICATION

MECHANISM:

• Coreless motor with flywheel
• Electrical pickup from all driving and tender wheels
• Separate metal bearings fitted to each axle (excluding front pony wheels)
• Diecast metal chassis block
• 9mm (OO9 narrow gauge) wheels to NEM310 standards with authentic profile and detailing
• Coupling pockets to NEM355 standards, into which a standard OO9 coupling hook assembly is fitted (hook and loop coupling also supplied for optional fitting)
• Designed to operate on curves of first radius (228.6mm) or greater

DETAILING:

• Diecast metal cylinder block, frames, footplate and saddle tank
• Precision moulded plastic smokebox and cab
• Highly detailed and decorated cab interior including separately fitted regulator, reverser leaver, handbrake, and gauge frames and hinged firebox door which can be posed open/closed
• Hinged fall-plate between locomotive and tender
• Separately applied details including reverser, injectors, handrails, smokebox dart, whistle and tool brackets (where applicable)
• Each model supplied with a set of authentically decorated etched name plates and works plates

Lighting:

• Firebox Glow (on analogue) / Firebox Glow & Flicker (on DCC or when SOUND FITTED models are used on analogue)

DCC:

• Next18 DCC decoder interface

SOUND:

• Speaker installed in all models for optimum sound reproduction
• Zimo MX659N18 DCC Sound Decoder fitted to SOUND FITTED versions
• Sound files produced specifically for the Bachmann Narrow Gauge Mainline Hunslet using recordings from real locomotives
• SOUND FITTED models operate on DCC and Analogue control as supplied

LIVERY APPLICATION:

• Authentic liveries applied to all models
• Multiple paint applications employed on each model
• Logos, numerals and text added as appropriate using multi-stage tampo printing incorporating authentic typefaces, logos and colours