Bachmann's ‘Baby Sulzer'

Bachmann adds the distinctive Class 24/1 to its ‘OO’ gauge ‘Branchline’ range, a locomotive type that was a development of the first Derby Sulzer Type 2s.

INTRODUCED from 1960, the Class 24/1 was a variant of the once numerous Sulzer Type 2 designed by Derby works around the Sulzer 6LDA28 power unit.

The sub-class introduced the first physical change to the exterior appearance of the Class 24 design, with a four-character headcode box replacing the train identification discs fitted to the Class 24/0. End gangway doors were retained alongside the pair of tail-lights.

Internally, electrics were upgraded and overall weight reduced through the use of smaller capacity fuel and water tanks. The design remained in production from D5114-D5150 until uprating of the power unit to 1250hp for the Class 25s. The Class 24/1 locomotives were constructed quickly, being introduced to traffic by 1961, with many being allocated to the Scottish Region including Inverness shed for operation in the Scottish Highlands.

Class 24/1s were subject to modifications and changes during their relatively short lives, including plating of the boiler compartment grilles, removal and changes to the lower bodyside fairing and plating over of headcode boxes and body side footsteps. Highland locomotives were equipped with what were literally off-the-shelf car headlamps; two fitted to each cab front. One Class 24/1, and the last one in traffic, being withdrawn in 1978, was fitted with a Class 25 style headcode box at the No.2 end, with the distinctive wings on either side but lacking air horn housings alongside sealed doors. The change was the result of repairs following collision damage.