Bachmann's Super BG

One of the first completely new items of rolling stock produced by Bachmann since taking over the old Graham Farish range has now been in the shops for a while, the so-called "Super BG".

The prototype for this model is the 1990s conversion of Mk1 full brakes with roller-shutter doors for use on mail traffic. They were relatively short lived, due to EWS losing the Royal Mail contract.

Bachmann's new product, while still a long way behind the standard of continental or American models, is a step forward from what has gone before; with finer detailed underframes, well reproduced bodyside detailing, and a good semi-matt finish with well-printed lettering. Speaking of lettering, there are four different variants available, representing different branding they've had over the years; the Rail Express Systems version with the blue flashes (the leading vehicle) comes with or without Royal Mail logos, and the debranded post-privatisation version comes with or without the EWS "Three Beasties" logo.

The two biggest faults are a lack of weight which increases the risk of derailment, and the excessive gap between the coaches. The close-coupling mechanisms of all major continental makes, which still go round 8" radius curves, isn't rocket science nowadays, and I'd like to see Bachmann do the same on British stock.

They make a nice complement for my CJM class 67, and an 8 car rake in full cry is an impressive sight. Not that they ever ran in Switzerland, though.