Bachmanns' model of a BR all-purpose class 47 locomotive features a detailed bodyshell incorporating many of the changes made to the roof grilles (eg changed radiator vents) and ends modified due to repairs and modifications. Separately fitted parts allow for equipment changes like brake systems and ETH cabling to be applied correctly to each model. Inside the shell a heavy diecast chassis and centrally mounted motor driving all six axles provides weight and power for hauling realistic trains with ease.
Intercity ‘Mainline’ was an intermediate (unbranded) livery that was carried between the original Intercity livery and the then new Intercity Swallow livery. Only 20 Class 47s carried this livery and 47832 was one of these locomotives. When newly out shopped as a Class 47/8 with extended range fuel tanks in 1989, Intercity ‘Mainline’ livery was carried with only the smaller black numbers on its cab side and it ran in this condition from 1989 until at least 1991. This is the chosen period in which the model is portrayed.
47832 was built as D1610, entering service in August 1964 at Swansea Landore shed, remaining a Western region engine with periods on the allocations of Cardiff Canton, Bristrol Bath Road and London Old Oak Common sheds in addition to Landore. Given TOPS number 47031 in 1974 there followed a few years at Plymouth Laira before the locomotive was selected for the class 47/4 ETH fitting programme in 1980.
Emerging as ETH fitted class 47/4 47560 in 1980 the loco returned to Landore shed and the Western region. 47560 was named Tamar at Plymouth Laira shed during the shed open day in April 1982. Under the sectorisation scheme class 47/4s which had their redundant boiler water tanks converted to additional fuel tanks were allocated to InterCity business and identified with 478xx series numbers. 47560 became 47832 in July 1989, allocated initially to Crewe Diesel depot. Soon after the InterCity class 47 'twin tank' fleet was concentrated at Bristol Bath Road shed, convenient for the many Penzance/Plymouth to Birmingham leg of services to the north of England and Scotland. The trains were then taken forward on the West Coast Mainline by electric locomotives. 47832 retained 'Tamar' nameplates until 1996 when, after one had been lost, the remaining plate was removed. The name was restored in 2001 when new plates were fitted at Landore shed.
Following privatisation 47832 has served with Great Western Trains / First Great Western, Fragonset, Vincta Westlink and DRS before passing on to her current owners, West Coast Railways.
Era 8.
DCC Ready 21-pin decoder required for DCC operation.