Cawoods

Multiple Units
Bachmann Northern Spirit 158

Jan 2001- A review of the Bachmann Class 158 three-car Express Sprinter

How can anyone fail to have been impressed with the quality of the projected new releases displayed in a glass case by Bachmann at various exhibitions? Bachmann has made efforts to replicate the privatisation liveries on their Class 158 model, starting with the Northern Spirit three-car unit and now proposing similar re-liveried models of the two-car sets in Alpha Line, Scotrail and FNW colours.

All of these proposed models are re-releases of the Regional Railways Class 158 of a few years ago. It was endowed with a number of interesting features; the primary ones include working lights; a frame mounted motor driving both bogies in the centre car and robust construction. Visually, I liked the flush glazing that is well executed and the livery elements are superbly applied to all models.

Prototype notes: Class 158s were introduced in 1989 – 92 as a medium distance train set designed to revitalise many regional routes, particularly those in Scotland and the North. The Class 158 brought many down at heel routes up to Inter-City standards, ousting locomotive hauled trains and cascading many earlier Sprinter designs to shorter routes. The Trans-Pennine routes were the only ones to gain full three-car Class 158 sets, other areas relied on two-car sets operated singly or in pairs i.e. four-car formations.

158 701 – 746 Scotrail two-car set (DMSL – DMCL) with first class accommodation (several were cascaded to other operators after introduction of new Turbostar Class 170s).

158 747 – 751 Virgin Cross-Country sets (DMSL – DMCL).

158 752 – 759 First North-Western (DMSL – DMSL).

158 760 – 779 / 81 (DMSL – DMCL / DMSL) Northern Spirit two car sets, many refurbished with first and standard class accommodation.

158 780 – 797 Central Trains two car sets (DMSL – DMSL).

158 798 – 814 Northern Spirit three –car sets, many refurbished with first and standard class accommodation (DMSL – MSL – DMCL).

158 815 – 843 / 863 – 872 Wales and West Alpha Line two-car sets (DMSL – DMSL).

158 844 – 862 Central Trains two-car sets (DMSL – DMSL).

158 901 – 910 West Yorkshire PTE leased two-car sets (DMSL – DMSL).

The Class 159 build for Network Southeast completed during 1992 with interior modifications by Rosyth Dockyard. Constructed as three-car sets and replicated by Bachmann as a separate release.

159 001 – 022 South-West Trains / Stagecoach three-car set with first and standard class (DMSL – MSL – DMCL).

Some three-car sets are formed of hybrid formations of DMSL –DMSL –DMSL by coupling the driving cab of the centre car to the inner gangway of an outer car. The inner and outer gangways are not of the same size but can be connected by the use of special clips. Bachmann may consider releasing a single un-powered car to enable this formation to be replicated.

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Model features:

Roof area: Class 158 is the first of the large-scale train production using aluminium-welding techniques. The principle involved large strips of aluminium welded together to construct the basic bodyshell. The roof is not adorned with strengthening ribs common with MK3 bodyshell derivative multiple units. The seam lines are faithfully replicated on the model with a water tank hatch and air conditioning vents. The model is accurate in all respects in this important area.
Cab detail: The cab mouldings are produced as separate mouldings and fitted to the body as a sub assembly. It’s not a perfect fit, however. Separate handrails are fitted to the cab front whilst working head and taillights are neatly fitted to the light clusters.
Inner ends: This area of the bodyshell is well detailed with exhaust silencer and another perfectly reproduced vestibule gangway connection. The gap between vehicles is suitable for operation on tight curves but the model would benefit from closer coupling using Kadee Couplings or Bachmann’s own brand of buckeye coupling.
Body moulding: The level of detail is very satisfying except around the doors were the representation of plug door seals is a little coarse when viewed from close range. What really sets this model off are the subtly defined window frames, door control panels and bogie damper brackets faithfully moulded along the bodyshell skirt. This model moves away from a trend with some manufacturers to make detail shallow and too finely defined. Real trains are chunky and built for durability.
Glazing: The well-fitting glazing is tinted, offering a hint of interior detail. It is impossible to see the motor drive in the centre car through the tint unless you look very closely. The Hornby Networker and Eurostar models also succeed in this respect, others fail badly.
Bogies: No doubt about it, they are faithful replicas of the P4 / T4 bogie complete with damper bracket detail and secondary air suspension airbags. They match up to the body bracket fittings beautifully.
Wheels: A bit on the coarse side but fully concentric and chemically blackened to reduce the shine. They measure just over 10mm in diameter, the prototype operates with 3ft diameter wheels or 12mm in 4mm scale. When riding on its flanges, the model only tops a maximum height of 51mm. The maximum height you should work to for W5 loading gauge is 52mm (prototype 3965mm) from the rail. Fitting scale wheels will not put this model out of gauge. Replacement wheel packs are available from Ultrascale.
Drive system: The Bachmann model’s centre car is powered for even performance in either operating direction. The motor is installed to a die cast frame and drives both bogies via Universal drives. Two flywheels give added torque. Both axles in each bogie are driven and current collection is via wiper pick-ups bearing on the rear of each wheel.
Underframe detail: Remaining on the subject of the centre car traction is eased with the fitting of a die cast underframe. However, the cosmetic underframe detail is superbly moulded in plastic and clipped to the die cast chassis as a method of obtaining the depth and fineness of detail required. The unpowered outer vehicles are fitted with plastic underframes to reduce the weight and they too are well appointed in the area of underframe detail.
Overall dimensions: As a round up: accurate. A ruler over the main dimensions showed no glaring inaccuracies.

If Bachmann are going to support enthusiasts of modern multiple units by investing in models like this, then the least we can do is support this effort and buy at least one!

Model shown:
Description: Northern Spirit Trans-Pennine Express Class 158 three car Express Sprinter.
Scale: 4mm /1foot, 1:76 scale.
Gauge: OO gauge with scope for conversion to EM and P4 gauge.
Era: Post privatisation Train Operating Company era, circa 1998 onwards. Standard: Excellent with only limited room for improvement.