Bachmann announce a re-tooled Turbostar

Whilst there are still many multiple-unit types yet to appear as ready to run models, including comparatively recently introduced modern types, Bachmann are now to introduce a type they have previously produced, namely a range of newly tooled Classes 168/170/171 Turbostars which are “state of the art” in terms of features and accuracy.  This new version is tooled to allow for detail variations, additional features and to be readily DCC compatible, unlike their original versions.  The original versions were very good for their day, but new technology, production and productions techniques allows much more now!

According to their press release:
Designed from the rails up, the new ‘Turbostars’ share the same high level of detail and technology as the Branchline Class 158s that went before them, and more.
The Branchline tooling suite encompasses three major classes, the Class 168s (/1 and /2 sub-classes), the Class 170s and the 171s, and models can be produced in 2-, 3- or 4- car formations to accurately portray the variety seen amongst the real fleet.

Each vehicle employs a precision moulded bodyshell, with accurate engraving of key features like the door openings, panel lines and ventilators. The ribbon glazing is reproduced on each bodyside, and flush glazing is added separately to the doors and cab windscreens, with etched metal windscreen wipers completing the look along with etched metal roof grilles. Look within and a detailed interior is fitted which includes tables, chairs, toilet compartments and, at each cab end, a driver’s desk, chair and cab bulkhead.
Below the bodyside, each chassis is adorned with a full completement of separately fitted parts, depicting the engines, fuel tanks, batteries, brake systems and auxiliary gear, complete with intricate pipework and cabling reproduced for full effect. Sand boxes are added too, and these are finished with metal wire sandpipes.

Every driving vehicle is motorised, using the low-level drive train that has proven so successful in the Class 158 to provide invisible drive to the inner bogie of each car via a diecast metal gearbox which drives both axles on the bogie. These axles run in separate metal bearings, while the trailing axles run in metal pinpoint bearings and all wheels are equipped with electrical pickups. The wheels themselves are reproduced true to prototype, with the characteristic hole patterns and these fit into high fidelity bogies which are complete with brake and suspension details. Trailer vehicles are unpowered, meaning that every unit features two motorised vehicles regardless of the formation.

The primary driving vehicle houses the Plux22 DCC Decoder socket and again like the Branchline 158 this is accessed through a removable panel in the underframe negating any need to remove the bodyshell. The primary vehicle couples to the secondary driving car and any trailer vehicles using conductive couplings with integral close coupling mechanisms, so a single DCC decoder operates the entire train whilst retaining full functionality and close coupling.

The Bach-Up Stay Alive System is also found in the primary car and this provides uninterrupted power to prevent stalling, light flicker and sound cut-outs on DCC, meanwhile every driving vehicle is pre-fitted with a speaker giving the Branchline Turbostars a twin-speaker setup. SOUND FITTED models will be available which come pre-fitted with a ESU Loksound V5DCC sound decoder.
A full and comprehensive suite of lighting includes directional lights which can be switched between day and night mode, and the lights can be turned off at either end for when the units are working in multiple. Passenger saloon lighting is included along with illuminated destination panels at either end – the Class 171s have these centrally on the bodysides of each car just like the prototype, and these also illuminate. DCC users can go further and operate the cab lights – each cab light is controlled by a separate function – and the door interlock lights for prototypical operations during station stops.

The cab ends are fitted with working miniature BSI couplings that allow multiple units to be joined together and allow the 168s and 170s to couple to other units like the Branchline 158s for example, something that the real units were capable of too. The Class 171s on the other hand were fitted with Dellner couplings and a miniature working Dellner for the new Branchline 171s is also in development.

Subtle detail differences across the fleet have been incorporated into the tooling suite, the most noticeable being the fitting or not of cab air conditioning, the NRN aerial pods, and the roof vents which are found on the shoulders of the roof, with vehicles having either 2 or 5 vents.

Two styles of headlight cluster are modelled, with either 3 lights per cluster with separate tail lights, or with combined tail lights so just 2 lights per cluster. Three types of valance are also depicted and with them come different horn positions accordingly. The Class 168 bogies are fitted with Tripcocks, as per the real units, which were necessary to allow them to work on the Metropolitan line.

Development of the new Branchline models is now at an advanced stage and further enhancements and refinements have been made since the first assembled engineering prototypes were produced. New bodyshells incorporating these changes have been produced giving a flavour of how the final models will look.

The first models are currently scheduled to arrive by the end of 2026.

The only unit of Southern Electric system relevance is 35-580 (with suffix SF for the DCC sound fitted version) 171 727 in Southern livery, with destination displays showing London Bridge.  The recommended retail price for the DC version is £349.95 and £449.95 for the DCC sound fitted version.  At the moment they are expected to come into stock during December 2026/January 2027. They are already being advertised discounted to the region of  £299 (DC) and £385 (DCC SF) respectively.

Personally I would always prefer a model of a unit not already available as RTR, however these much more accurately detailed and better featured versions are nevertheless welcome.

According to my database, previous Southern Electric system Bachmann 170/171 models have been (not included here are proposed but not produced versions):

Colin Duff.  Modelling Officer.  26th April 2026.