BRANCHLINE Class 08 08923 BR Green (Wasp Stripes) [W]

BRANCHLINE Class 08 08923 BR Green (Wasp Stripes) [W]Bachmann Branchline Class 08 Diesel Shunter BR Green (Wasp Stripes) 08923 (OO Scale, SOUND FITTED) The Class 08 Diesel Shunter stands as British Rails most numerous diesel locomotive, with over 1,000 units produced alongside Class 09 and Class 10 variants. This all new Branchline model brings the iconic shunter fully up to date in OO scale, offering exceptional accuracy, intricate detailing, and the latest model railway technology. Precision Detailing

Bachmann Branchline Class 08 Diesel Shunter – BR Green (Wasp Stripes) 08923 (OO Scale, SOUND FITTED)

The Class 08 Diesel Shunter stands as British Rail’s most numerous diesel locomotive, with over 1,000 units produced alongside Class 09 and Class 10 variants. This all-new Branchline model brings the iconic shunter fully up to date in OO scale, offering exceptional accuracy, intricate detailing, and the latest model railway technology.

Precision Detailing

Crafted from high-fidelity mouldings, this model features an extensive array of separately applied details, including metal components, ladders, footsteps, bonnet grilles, lamp irons, sandboxes, and grab handles. The cab interior is fully equipped with era-specific instruments, handbrake, and equipment cabinets, capturing the authentic working environment of a Class 08 shunter. The weathered BR Green (Wasp Stripes) livery is meticulously applied with true-to-prototype colours, fonts, and logos, complemented by etched nameplates where appropriate.

Mechanism & Running Gear

• Five-pole motor with flywheel driving the rear axle

• Sprung centre axle ensures smooth running on uneven track

• Electrical pickup from all wheels with metal bearings on each axle

• Diecast metal chassis block with prototypical gearing for realistic speeds and haulage

• 5mm OO gauge wheels to NEM310 & NEM311 standards

• Detachable coupling pockets to NEM362 standards

• Auto-Release Couplings at both ends for hands-free DCC uncoupling (SOUND FITTED DELUXE only)

• Operates on curves of second radius (438mm) or greater

Model-Specific Features – 08923

• Box profile main frames with concealed bodyside door hinges

• Radiator ladders removed, steel cab door

• LMS pattern buffers, dual brakes

• Front marker lights: 4 (top light square-bottom, lower lights rounded-bottom)

• Front lamp irons: 4 (top iron flat bar profile)

• Rear marker lights: 4 (top and bottom left square-bottom, others rounded-bottom)

• Rear lamp irons: 4

• Standard cab panel, whistle, cab roof vent

• RHS equipment boxes with raised doors and recessed latches, LHS air compressor cabinet

Lighting

• Fully operational front, rear, and shunting lights

• Eight microswitches for user-configurable lighting on DCC or analogue

• Independent front and rear lights control

• Authentic light colours and temperatures based on era

DCC & Sound

• Plux22 DCC decoder socket with easy-access removable roof panel

• Bach-Up Stay Alive System prevents stalling, flicker, and sound cut-outs

• SOUND FITTED version includes Zimo MS450P22 DCC decoder with high-quality speaker

• Realistic sound effects include engine start-up, idling, brakes, whistle, horn, flange squeal, buffer clash, shunting sequences, and more

• Analogue users benefit from automatic and randomised operational sounds straight from the box

Function List (SOUND FITTED)

• F0–F28 including directional lights, horn, whistle, brake, shunting lights, uncoupling sequences, cab door operation, auto wagon buffering, and volume controls

• F11 & F12 simulate short locomotive movement with coupling sound effects

Specifications

• Length: 122mm

• Era: 7

• Livery: Weathered BR Green (Wasp Stripes)

• Running No.: 08923

Class 08 History

Diesel shunters were pioneered by the LMS in the 1930s, offering immediate readiness compared to steam locomotives, reducing staffing and fuel costs. By 1948, LMS 12033 series shunters formed the basis for BR’s standard diesel-electric shunter, with interim units later designated Class 11.

Production of Class 08s began in 1952, with the first entering service in 1953. Over 996 locomotives were built, making it Britain’s most numerous class. Together with 26 Class 09s and 171 Class 10s, total production exceeded a thousand.

Despite a top speed of just 15 mph, Class 08s excelled in tractive effort, making them indispensable at depots, freight yards, and terminals. Many remained in service into the 21st century, with over 40 still operating a decade after privatisation in 1994. Today, more than 80 preserved examples continue shunting duties on heritage railways.