Kernow Model Rail Centre has announced an exclusive addition to their lineup, the Bachmann 00 Gauge Class 37/0, featuring the iconic 37 196 ‘Tre Pol and Pen’ in BR Railfreight grey livery.
Originally manufactured at the English Electric Robert Stephenson & Hawthorns Works, this English Electric Type three locomotive was initially designated as D6896 when introduced in April 1964. Following the implementation of the TOPS numbering system, it underwent renumbering in April 1974, assuming its current identity as 37 196.
On 11th February 1985, 37 196 was transferred to Laira and was named Tre Pol and Pen’ at Truro on 16th July 1985. The name comes from an old Cornish rhyme: “By Tre, Pol and Pen, Shall ye know all Cornishmen”. The words mean homestead, pool and hill and are used to describe people from or places in Cornwall.
The 37 196 was the first Class 37 to be painted into the new Railfreight Grey livery, which had first been applied to the new Class 58 locos. The naming ceremony was one of a number which was carried out in 1985 as part of the GW150 Celebrations and the loco carried a small plaque to commemorate this.
The 37 196 carried the name and, in the condition as depicted by this model, until 2nd May 1987 and was transferred to Cardiff on 5TH July 1987. It was finally withdrawn from service on 24th February 2009.
The Kernow Model Rail Centre has partnered with Bachmann to create an exclusive, highly detailed model in 00 Gauge. This model features the all-new Bachmann class 37 tooling, which includes a diecast chassis block housing a five-pole, twin-shaft motor with two flywheels that provide drive to all axles. In the deluxe version with sound, rotating radiator fans are driven by an independent motor and gearbox, which can be operated through a DCC function.
The body of the model is equipped with numerous separately applied metal detail parts, including grab handles, windscreen wipers, etched fan grilles, and sprung metal buffers. It also features a dual-fitted speaker system that offers authentic sound reproduction, pre-fitted in every model. Additionally, it includes a new ‘Yard Light’ mode that allows red taillights and/or marker lights to be displayed at both ends of the locomotive when operating on DCC.
When used with DCC, the model provides cab lighting and engine room lights with the push of a button. In analogue operation, marker lights, tail lights, and headlights (if applicable) illuminate as desired. Each model comes with a complete set of decorated, model-specific bufferbeam pipework and accessory parts.
The KMRC Exclusive class 37 is available in three formats, with standard DCC Ready versions, £249.95 with a Plux22 DCC decoder. The sound-fitted versions are £349.95 with a Zimo MS450P22 DCC Decoder, whilst the sound-fitted deluxe format is £379.95, including the new motorised fan system and windscreen glazing that has been treated with a specialist technique to replicate the tinting seen on the prototype.
The KMRC 37 196 ‘Tre Pol and Pen’ in BR Railfreight Grey livery is available on the KMRC website.
