Bachmann GWR Collett Goods Class 2251 Review

One of the defining models of modern times, Bachmann’s 00 scale version of GWR Collett Goods class 2251 was one of the first of a new breed of high-fidelity models. Much time has passed since it’s first release, so today we review the model and see whether it is still a great model in 2012!

Class: GWR Collett Goods 0-6-0 (Class 2251)

Use: Mixed Traffic

Region: Western

Era: 1930 – 1965

Locoyard Blog Posts: South Devon Railway – pictures taken in 2010

Preserved examples:

3205 – South Devon Railway

Manufacturer: Bachmann

Motor: Vertical Can Motor

Power: Heavyweight

DCC options: 8 pin ready/fitted – click here for DCC fitting guide

Reviewed Example – 32-206 no 2253 (click here for prototype info)

Locoyard Review

Detailing:

3.5/5

This was Bachmann’s first model in it’s “Blue Riband” range and it is still reasonably detailed by modern standards. Sprung buffers, handrails, brake rigging and lamp irons are all present. Cab details (above) have come a long way since this model was released and the lack of picked out colours and details is all the more obvious in such an open cab. If you wish to pick out the colours yourself, click here to see some pictures of the cab of the real thing. The biggest gripe I have is the bare metal plate under the boiler which again is very obvious and has no detailing. Minor points perhaps, but minus points all the same.

Outline/Looks: 4.5/5

This is excellent, with a nice lot of daylight under the boiler, just as the prototype. Different tender types have been produced with the latest releases having the ROD tender as were fitted to some members of the class. Fine details help make it look good, a cab floor would be the icing on the cake!

Finish/Decoration:

3.5/5

Excellent BR green versions have been produced, albeit with slightly heavy lining. The weathered version reviewed here has a grimy appearance, although if anything the weathering is a little too light. A big minus point is the big and very noticeable moulding seam across the top of the boiler. I’m not sure if this is a problem with all models and wonder if the age of the tooling is beginning to tell, feel free to comment if you’ve better finished model than this.

Running Qualities:

4.5/5

Credit has to be given to Bachmann in producing a go-anywhere, do-anything model capable of slow, smooth running with good pick-ups, which considering it has none on the tender is quite remarkable. The only criticism I have is that the old vertical can motor is a little noisier than more modern motors.

Relative Power:

5/5

Plenty of power for a model of a 3MT rated prototype, capable of pulling fairly heavy loads.

Specification:

4/5

It’s missing a little finesse in terms of details and the prominent moulding seam, but otherwise the specification is good. It has NEM pockets, sprung buffers and is DCC ready with DCC fitted versions fitted in the past. Early models produced prior to 2010 are not DCC ready and are difficult to convert, so DCC users need to be wary of this.

Value:

5/5

Incredibly good value model to be found new at Hornby Railroad prices or less. The model may be showing its age, but it still has an edge over other budget models in terms of looks, detailing and specification. Expect to pay £30-£40 for mint second-hand versions. It can be found new for less than £55 and it is worth every penny. A real bargain!

Overall Locoyardometer Score: 4.3

A good looking model that’s only real faults are the lack of cab and under-boiler details, plus the far too noticeable moulding seam. It performs very well, even over poorly laid track and is powerful too. It’s greatest asset is it’s price tag and for the price there’s no real excuse for not getting one! A solid 4 star locomotive.