Bachmann BR Standard 4MT 2-6-0 Class Model Review

Closely related to Ivatt’s 4MT 2-6-0, the BR Standard 4MT 2-6-0 class was a useful locomotive used in most regions, with the exception of the west. 115 were produced, 17 of them with a larger BR1B tender for the Southern region. The model reviewed here is catalogue reference 32-952. Without further ado, here’s the locoyard verdict on Bachmann’s model…

Class: British Railways Standard 4MT 2-6-0

Use: Mixed Traffic

Region: All (except Western region)

Era: 1952-1967

Preserved examples:

76017 – Watercress Line
76077 – Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway
76079 – North Yorkshire Moors Railway
76084 – North Norfolk Railway (Owned by 76084 Locomotive Company Ltd)

Manufacturer: Bachmann

Motor: 3 pole Loco-drive

Power: Welterweight

DCC options: 8 pin dcc ready/fitted (click here for DCC fitting guide)

Locoyard Review

Detailing:

4/5

Detailing parts are mainly plastic, but look very good. It has some cab details picked out and despite having an enclosed cab are noticeable from time to time, not that it make much of a difference for everyday running. It has lamp irons, handrails and piping and no opening cab roof.

Outline/Looks:

5/5

As with the Ivatt 4MT 2-6-0 that this class is based on, it has a complex shape that has been expertly captured by Bachmann. There is daylight where it should be and the valve gear looks spectacular. Both types of cab and both variations of tender are modeled as appropriate.

Finish/Decoration:

4.5/5

As is typical with most Bachmann models, the lined BR black livery is nicely done. As usual there is a visible line created by the moulding along the top of the boiler and chimney, but it’s not too prominent.

Running Qualities:

4.5/5

The motor is reasonably quiet, works well and is easy to control. It lack’s pick-ups on its tender wheels, but fortunately this has not given it problems with stalling. The chassis is not particularly sensitive on rough track and runs well overall.

Relative Power:

2.5/5

On tight 2nd radius curves 4 bogey carriages is a maximum before some slipping occurs, though it will just pull 6. The reviewed model was slightly more powerful than Bachmann’s Ivatt 4MT class, despite sharing the same chassis. Nevertheless it is not as capable as it should be. Make sure the mechanism and valve gear is lubricated properly, as this makes a big difference.

Specification:

4/5

Specification is reasonable with NEM pockets, sprung buffers, DCC socket/fitted versions but no DCC sound version yet. Lamp irons, handrails, a very few cab details and reasonable detailing with a good finish, complete a reasonable specification.

Value:

4.5/5

This model is generally very good value, especially secondhand. Model’s regularly appear for little money on the second-hand market. Look at paying £55-£60 for a mint secondhand model, but new models cost at least £75.

Overall Locoyardometer Score: 4.1

This model is good, especially in terms of its outline. Although it’s not very powerful there should have enough power for most needs and the mechanism works well and is fairly quiet. It’s not the most thrilling of prototypes, but useful for all regions other than the west. Overall it’s a decent model worth adding to your fleet.