Bachmann Europe has caught enthusiasts off guard with a surprise announcement ahead of the London Festival of Railway Modelling. The iconic Graham Farish N Gauge Class 20 is receiving a comprehensive overhaul, featuring new tooling variations, a modernized chassis, and the long-awaited debut of factory-fitted DCC sound.
A Heritage of Innovation
The Class 20 has been a cornerstone of the Graham Farish lineup since 1982. While the 2012 redesign set a high bar for N gauge detail, this latest evolution focuses on technical sophistication and regional accuracy.
The headline change is a completely redesigned chassis and gearbox. By reconfiguring internal components, Bachmann has integrated a Next18 DCC socket and a factory-fitted speaker across the range—marking the first time this locomotive has been offered with “out-of-the-box” sound.
New Tooling: The Scottish “Recess”
For the first time, collectors can model the distinctive locomotives originally built for service in Scotland. The new tooling suite specifically caters to these variants, which featured larger cab side windows and recessed bodywork.
Tooling options include:
- Locomotives with tablet catchers fitted.
- Recessed bodywork without the catchers.
- Later-life variations where the recesses were plated flush.
- Interchangeable headcode options (Disc, Numeric, or Domino).
- Original vs. revised battery box details.
Initial Livery Releases
The first wave of upgraded Class 20/0s focuses heavily on the Scottish variants and classic liveries:
| Livery | Key Features |
| BR Green | Available in two versions, including one with a tablet catcher. |
| BR Blue | Two models featuring the characteristic cab side recesses. |
| BR Railfreight | Iconic ‘Red Stripe’ livery with plated recesses and large windows. |
Technical Specifications
The new Class 20 is designed for smooth, prototypical performance and high-fidelity aesthetics.
Mechanism & DCC
- Drive: Coreless twin-shaft motor with dual flywheels; all-axle drive and pickup.
- Chassis: Heavy diecast metal block for improved haulage.
- DCC/Sound: Next18 interface. Sound-fitted versions utilize a Zimo MS590N18 decoder with bespoke recordings from real Class 20s.
- Compatibility: Operates on second-radius curves (263.5mm) or greater.
Detailing & Finish
- Bodywork: High-fidelity injection moulding with etched roof fan grilles and wire handrails.
- Lighting: Era-authentic directional lighting (switchable on both DCC and Analogue).
- Liveries: Multi-stage tampo printing using authentic BR/TOC specification colors and typefaces.
Availability and Pricing
Enthusiasts won’t have to wait too long to see these on their layouts, with delivery scheduled for late-2026.
- DCC Ready: £169.95
- DCC Sound Fitted: £279.95
