The Class 08 Diesel Shunter was BR’s most numerous diesel locomotive type (totalling more than 1,000 examples alongside its Class 09 and Class 10 counterparts) and models of this icon have long been a staple of the Bachmann Branchline range. However, this brand-new 08 owes nothing to its predecessors and finally brings the story of the humble diesel shunter right up to date with this most accurate of OO scale renditions.

Constructed from high fidelity mouldings, the new Branchline model employs a wealth of separately fitted details, including various metal components, and offers countless combinations of details and variations to allow individual locomotives to be modelled accurately at a chosen time in history. This external beauty is brought to life by the exquisite livery application which uses true-to-prototype colours, fonts and logos – extending beyond the exterior to the cab interior which itself is highly detailed and decorated accordingly.

Meanwhile, ‘under the bonnet’ the model boasts a high specification that utilises the latest advancements in model railway technology. For the first time a full suite of lighting, including up to 13 separate lights, is fitted and can be enjoyed by both analogue and DCC users – whilst the new shunter is the first model to employ Bachmann’s Bach-Up stay alive system, providing DCC users with a reserve power supply for uninterrupted running even on dirty or uneven track. There’s no better locomotive than the Class 08/09 to feature Bachmann Auto-Release Coupling System, providing handsfree DCC uncoupling at the press of a button – making this a true shunter in miniature