News, nostalgia, preservation and modelling

Bachmann MPV challenges for best 4mm model status

Announced to great surprise by Bachmann way back in January 2008, the first of the Windhoff Multi Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) will shortly be in the shops. The first high quality recreation of an item of UK-outline on-track plant, the MPV represents the sort of model that would have been unimaginable as a ready-to-run release just a few years ago. However, with its striking appearance and nationwide operation from Cornwall and Kent to the Far North of Scotland, there are few layouts set in the last decade or so that could not justify one. Add to this the opportunity to create different formats by altering the modules, and it is clearly a prototype with plenty of ‘play value’.

The first thing to say about the Bachmann model is that it must be handled carefully, both during unpacking and subsequent preparation for use, as there are a host of parts that will not react well to the ‘ham fisted’. The array of modules are packed on a separate inlay tray, these all being a simple push fit onto the MPV deck by means of plastic spigots located on their undersides. Some are a tighter fit than others, which is something to bear in mind if turning the model upside down to access the DCC speaker housing or fit the separate detail parts.

The model provided for review (31-575) depicts DR98906 & DR98956, one of the first batch of MPVs with a powered ‘master’ and unpowered ‘slave’ arrangement of vehicles. Featuring a full set of seven modules, it is all kitted out to tackle autumnal weather with two each of the sandite and water tank modules, a 20ft water jetting cabinet, a 10ft de-icing module and, finally, the auxiliary power unit (APU) housing. A study of photos will show that a full compliment of these seven modules is not always required and depends on the job with which the MPV is tasked, thus allowing for some customisation to be undertaken. As depicted here, the MPV shows the current arrangement when all seven modules are in use, with the water-jetting box on the rear of the ‘slave’ and de-icing and APU modules similarly positioned on the rear of the ‘master’. This is the opposite way round to that suggested by the Bachmann instructions, which seems to reflect the as-delivered arrangement.

Low-profile mechanism
Taking a closer look at the ‘master’ part of the MPV, this is the powered vehicle and features a low-profile motor with a single flywheel. This only drives both axles of the outer bogie but, on test, performance was as good as any other current model from the company, including excellent slow speed control. However, recognising that gradients might pose a challenge, an alternative wheelset that features traction tyres is included in the accessory bag. Whilst the motor is commendably low, it does protrude above the deck of the MPV while, with space at a premium, Bachmann has opted to mount the circuit board and 21-pin DCC socket vertically above it. This means that the vehicle must always run with its water tank in situ, this concealing all of the gubbins beneath it. Both the water tank and adjacent sandite module feature additional weight blocks to help with adhesion whilst the chassis itself is also quite heavy.

Looking at other design aspects, all wheel pick-up is provided on both vehicles as are directional headlights and tail-lights. The headlights, which include the top light, are a rather subdued yellow but this is consistent with the real thing. A substantial sprung power coupling is provided between the two vehicles with Bachmann including a tool to assist with uncoupling, as excessive force is liable to damage it. There is sufficient clearance between the bogie sideframes to allow for conversion to ‘EM’ or ‘P4’ gauges with the two powered wheelsets having inside bearings and the remainder stub axles. The cabs unscrew from the chassis for those wishing to access the lights or interior while the snowploughs/deflectors can also be similarly removed to reveal the bogie-mounted NEM pockets behind. Standard tension lock couplings are included in the box to fit in these.

Wealth of detail
In terms of tooling, both the MPV and the modules are superb. Extensive comparison with photos shows that pretty much everything is present and correct. Granted, the mass of cables and hoses that are strung between the two halves on the real thing have been omitted, while some of the underframe pipework is also simplified. However, this does not detract in any way and can be added by the modeller if required.

Notable touches include the nicely rendered deck of the MPV vehicles, this in reality being a removable mesh that gives access to the engine and other components below, and the hinged walkway between the two cars. The cabs feature a host of separate parts such as air horns, various communications pods, handrails, windscreen wipers and a photo-etched mesh canopy over the rear doors. The handbrake and changeover levers on the rear bulkhead of the cabs are also present and correct. Slightly surprisingly, none of the buffers are sprung whilst the accessory bag includes brake pipes, bufferbeam footsteps and dummy screw couplings.

In terms of finish, the only quibble is on the sweep of the Railtrack lime green, this displaying some fuzziness on the edge. Otherwise, the paint job is fully in line with expectations whilst the myriad of notices on the underframe and modules are all present and legible. All of the modules are correctly numbered in the right number series for each type whilst, where there are two of the same design such as the water tank, the numbers accurately differ between them.

To sum up, this is an immensely impressive model from Bachmann, which is near faultless yet still offers opportunities for a bit of detailing and customisation. Hopefully, the company will opt to produce the remaining modules in the future to allow further formats to be recreated, these including the weedkilling and messing cabins, the stainless steel water tanks with their full height walkway cages and, not least, the Laserthor railhead leaf cleaners. This is certainly one of Bachmann’s most complex models yet produced for the UK market and could well be its finest yet.

Model reviewed
Scale and gauge:
4mm:1ft, 16.5mm/‘OO’ gauge

Manufacturer:
Bachmann Europe plc, Moat Way, Barwell, Leicestershire LE9 8EY
Web: www.bachmann.co.uk

Description:
Two-car MPV with plastic injection-moulded modules, power vehicle has five-pole motor with flywheel drive. Directional lighting. 21-pin DCC socket.

Windhoff Multi-Purpose Vehicle
31-575  Network Rail brandings, DCC ready, RRP £137.60
31-576DC Network Rail brandings, DCC fitted, RRP £149.95
31-577 Railtrack brandings, DCC ready, RRP £137.60