The Last Gordon Highlander, Locomotive That Is

 The Gordon Highlanders, as a regiment of the British Army, served the kings and queens of Great Britain for two hundred years from 1894 to 1994. The span of time that locomotives (steam or diesel) of the same name, served Great Britain as part of their railway system was much shorter. The first. a steam locomotive, entered service in the late 1920s. It is briefly discussed in a recent blog post; https://arnhemjim.blogspot.com/2020/10/a-different-kind-of-gordon-highlander.html. The last, an iconic massive diesel locomotive, entered service in 1961, and was retired in 1981. It is this diesel, both in real and model form, that is the subject of this post.

There were 22 of the British Rail Type 55 Class “Deltic” diesel locomotives built between 1961 and 1962 by English Electric for British Railways. They utilized a modified Napier Deltic power unit initially designed for marine application for the Royal Navy. Thus, the name “Deltic”. They were named after regiments of the British Army, following the tradition of predecessors, the famous Royal Scot Class steam locomotives, and winning racehorses. One, D9016, was specifically called the “Gordon Highlander”. When they entered service they were the most powerful diesel (producing about 2,750 drawbar horsepower) ever built, and set a range of land speed records for all locomotives between 113 and 125 mph (varying conditions). For those readers who might be interested in more technical details see; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_55 .

 

The following are a few images and videos of the actual diesel in service in order that the reader can make a direct comparison with the Bachmann HO gauge model replication. The one video shown below that indicates video unavailable may be seen by clicking on the indicated "Watch on YouTube".

The reader is invited to observe the short ladders on the corners of the locomotive, and the various hoses fitted between the two bumpers. All of these are replicated in the model, but not shown in the photographs. In the fourth YouTube video cited below, "Deltics. The Magnificent Seven", D9016 "Gordon Highlander" can be seen on one, if not its last, trip.

The Bachmann Branch-Line scale model was apparently commissioned and issued as an uncatalogued exclusive limited edition. In response to my personal query, at least one company representative stated that, “I cannot find any details of a Bachmann Branchline model of the Class 55 Deltic No. D9016 ‘Gordon Highlander’ in our records. I wonder if the model to which you refer was renamed/renumber from a different model by a third party?” What is particularly curious is the packet of extensive correct add-on parts, and the attachment of correct silver on red embossed foil metal plates [Gordon Highlander]. As a result it is currently difficult to establish what organization or company was able to commission the production of the model, year(s) of manufacture, and number of sets produced. (Author's note: Subsequently it has been recently confirmed from a representative of TMC (The Model Centre), an extremely professional cottage industry located in North Yorkshire, Great Britain, that between 2005 and 2010 they produced 250 of this specific model. Obviously relatively rare.) It did come DCC Ready. This provides illumination for cab lighting (both ends), sign number, and pair of red back lights, in an analogue model. Like its full-scale counterpart (weight:99 long tons), the model is heavy, at 611 gr (21.55 oz),, and 10.50 in. (excluding couplers) in length.

The accompanying various small fittings which significantly enhance the accuracy and appearance of the model are tedious to attach, with the exception of the couplers. Personal option has been to attach everything but those parts which might potentially interfere with the range of normal intended movement of the bogies. Based upon the author's review, this "Gordon Highlander" limited edition has the most extensive set of add-on fittings of all other known versions of the Type 55 Class "Deltic" issued by Bachmann. Also due to the physical size of the six-wheel bogies, and the design of the dual drive shafts (one to each bogie), it is most strongly recommended (personal experience with delicate surgical reinstallation of a thrown drive shaft) that on curved track smaller than second radius (22’’, 26” or 28” radius EZ Curved Track all work well), only very slow speed operation should be attempted on 18” radius curved track.

 

It is also amazing how smooth and quietly the engine runs, unlike the actual diesel which is quite loud. With the full DCC augmented sound effects operating the actual engine noise, at a scaled level, is well replicated. 

 

This specific “Gordon Highlander” comes in the original two-tone dark green with lime yellow lower strip livery of British Railways, which is reminiscent of the colors in the set of the Gordon tartan. A narrow 7" strip of the tartan was officially authorized to be wore at the top of the shoulder of the battledress blouse of the Gordon Highlanders during WWII.

 The following images and videos depict the Bachmann HO gauge locomotive. Personally am extremely impressed by what to me is a superior operating model both in accuracy and operation, although I’m obviously biased. However, several other model railroad enthusiasts in model railroading forums, and the cited YouTube videos express equivalent kudos. The reader can make their own assessment based on the images.