Had on order for a while, this is the Bachmann WINDHOFF MPV.
I thought I would do a review of it as it is a bit different to the normal locomotives reviewed.
HISTORY:
The Multiple-purpose Vehicle or MPV is a purpose-built engineering/infrastructure departmental derivative of a diesel multiple unit. Twenty-five two-car units were ordered by Railtrack and introduced from 1999 to meet the demands of the modern rail network and to enable it to replace its varied collection of ageing departmental vehicles, many of which had been adapted or repurposed to meet departmental needs rather than being designed for the role they would eventually serve such as passenger stock.
The vehicles were built in Germany by Windhoff. The design is based on the Windhoff "CargoSprinter" units that are operated by Deutsche Bahn (Germany) and CRT Group (Australia). Normally a unit consists of one powered vehicle fitted with twin 265 kW (355 hp) Railpac diesel engines,[1] semi-permanently coupled to an unpowered slave unit without engines. The later orders for the South East of England and for overhead line replacement are instead composed of two powered units, to give better acceleration and top speed. When first built there were problems with the vehicles being 'out of gauge' when running empty.
The concept of the design is that each vehicle has a driving cab and an under-floor engine/transmission with Multiple unit (MU) control. The majority of each vehicle is a flat load bed that can carry combinations of 10-foot and 20-foot modules that are secured using the locking system for ISO standard containers. Modules can be changed as required to suit current requirements.
In 2005, two powered MPV units were used to form a "Freight Multiple Unit" for freight trials, made by coupling standard freight wagons in between the pair of MPV units. Temporary multiple unit control cables were run along the wagons in order to connect the two MPVs, which are acting as locomotives working as a push-pull train.
ABOUT THE MODEL: (Bachmann)
This Branchline model a must for anyone with an interest in modern rail operations in the UK. Offered in the Network Rail Orange colour scheme for the first time, the Branchline model comprises two highly detailed vehicles each adorned with multiple modules which sit on the two decks. Produced with a full complement of seven modules - most are removable allowing you to run the model with your choice of modules, or even without most of the modules at all. Numerous parts and countless decorations processes are used to accurately capture the minute detail seen on both vehicles and each of the seven modules, resulting in this stunning model. The conductive coupling between the two vehicles means that a single decoder is required to operate the model on DCC and SOUND FITTED for a fully immersive operating experience.
MODEL FEATURES:
• Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
• Era 9
• Pristine Network Rail Orange livery
• Two Car Set Comprising Vehicle Nos. DR98914 and DR98964
• Accessory Pack
• NEM Coupling Pockets
• Powerful 3 Pole Motor with Flywheel
• Directional Lighting
• Ready to Accept a Speaker
• Equipped with a 21 Pin DCC Decoder Socket - recommended Decoder item No. 36-557
• Length 531mm