Announced as part of our Spring 2021 British Railway Announcements, we are delighted to bring you this Class 121 Single Car DMU in BR Blue & Grey livery. With a wealth of individually controllable lighting features, this model is also SOUND FITTED for a fully authentic experience!
The Branchline model is equipped with a low profile, underfloor driveline that permits reproduction of an unprecedented level of interior detail, with no intrusion from the motor. Coupled with this impressive technical specification is a wealth of detail incorporated into the bodywork and chassis, plus the usual high standard of livery application associated with Bachmann products.
MODEL FEATURES:
- Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
- Era 7
- Pristine BR Blue & Grey Livery
- Running No. W55025
- Set No. P125
- Destination Blinds for Newquay and Par
- Accessory Pack
- NEM Coupling Pockets
- Sprung Buffers
- Interior Cab Lighting
- Directional Lighting
- Illuminated Destination Blinds
- Lighting can be controlled by chassis-mounted switches or via DCC
- Length 276mm (over couplings)
CLASS 121 HISTORY
Thought to be the UK’s longest serving first generation Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU), the Class 121s were first introduced in 1960. Nicknamed ‘Bubble Cars’, a total of 16 Class 121 Driving Motor Brake Second (DMBS) units were built by the Pressed Steel Company between 1960 and 1961 following the same basic design of the Class 117, featuring the standard ‘Derby’ cab and high-density seating. They were similar to the Class 122 DMUs but were distinguished by the presence of the four character headcode box above the cab. The single car units had a cab at each end, plus a guard’s area and seating for 65 passengers. Where additional capacity was required the Class 121s could be coupled with other DMUs that had blue square multiple working equipment.
Delivered to the Western Region, the units were intended for use on branch lines in Cornwall and the Thames Valley. The Class later spread further across the Western Region, whilst also moving to other areas in due course, with several examples ending up with Network SouthEast following Sectorisation. Many of the Class were later repurposed for Departmental work although three remained in passenger service with Silverlink following Privatisation. Chiltern Railways were the final operator of the Class 121s, using two for services between Aylesbury and Princes Risborough, the final unit was withdrawn in 2017. A significant number of the Class survive in preservation.