BRANCHLINE Class 08 08928 BR Railfreight (Red Stripe)

BRANCHLINE Class 08 08928 BR Railfreight (Red Stripe)achmann Branchline Class 08 Diesel Shunter BR Railfreight (Red Stripe) 08928 (OO Scale, SOUND FITTED) The Class 08 Diesel Shunter was British Rails most numerous diesel locomotive, with over 1,000 examples built alongside Class 09 and Class 10 variants. This all new Branchline model brings the iconic shunter fully up to date in OO scale, featuring exceptional fidelity, extensive detailing, and the latest in model railway technology. High Fidelity

achmann Branchline Class 08 Diesel Shunter – BR Railfreight (Red Stripe) 08928 (OO Scale, SOUND FITTED)

The Class 08 Diesel Shunter was British Rail’s most numerous diesel locomotive, with over 1,000 examples built alongside Class 09 and Class 10 variants. This all-new Branchline model brings the iconic shunter fully up to date in OO scale, featuring exceptional fidelity, extensive detailing, and the latest in model railway technology.

High-Fidelity Detailing

Constructed from precision mouldings, this model includes separately fitted parts such as ladders, footsteps, bonnet grilles, lamp irons, sandboxes, grab handles, and windscreen wipers. The cab interior is fully decorated with era-specific instruments, handbrake, and equipment cabinets. Finished in BR Railfreight (Red Stripe) livery, this model captures every detail accurately, including etched nameplates where applicable.

Mechanism & Running Gear

• Five-pole motor with flywheel driving the rear axle

• Sprung centre axle for smooth operation on uneven track

• Electrical pickup from all wheels with metal bearings on each axle

• Diecast metal chassis block with prototypical gearing and haulage capability

• 5mm OO gauge wheels to NEM310 & NEM311 standards

• Detachable coupling pockets to NEM362 standards

• Auto-Release Couplings fitted at both ends for hands-free DCC uncoupling (SOUND FITTED DELUXE only)

• Operates on curves of second radius (438mm) or greater

Model-Specific Features – 08928

• Box profile main frames with concealed bodyside door hinges

• Radiator ladders removed, steel cab door

• LMS pattern buffers, dual brakes

• Front and rear marker lights: 2 each (rounded bottom housings)

• Front and rear lamp irons: 2 each (middle pair removed)

• Standard cab panel, whistle, cab roof vent

• RHS equipment boxes with raised doors and recessed latches, external fuel pump, LHS air compressor cabinet

Lighting

• Fully operational front, rear, and shunting lights

• Eight microswitches allow user-configurable lighting setups

• Front and rear lights controllable independently via DCC or analogue

• Authentic light colours and temperatures based on era

DCC & Sound

• Plux22 DCC decoder socket via easy-access removable roof panel

• Bach-Up Stay Alive System prevents stalling and light flicker

• SOUND FITTED version includes Zimo MS450P22 DCC decoder with high-quality speaker

• Realistic sound effects include: engine start-up, idling, brakes, whistle, horn, flange squeal, buffer clash, shunting sequences, and more

• Analogue users benefit from automatic and randomised operational sounds straight from the box

Function List (SOUND FITTED)

• F0–F28 including directional lights, horn, whistle, brake, shunting lights, uncoupling sequences, cab door operation, auto wagon buffering, and volume controls

• F11 & F12 simulate short locomotive movement with coupling sound effects

Specifications

• Length: 122mm

• Era: 8

• Livery: BR Railfreight (Red Stripe)

• Running No.: 08928

Class 08 History

Pioneered by the LMS in the 1930s, diesel shunters offered immediate readiness compared to steam locomotives, reducing staffing and fuel costs. By 1948, the LMS 12033 series became the basis for BR’s standard diesel-electric shunter, with interim locomotives later designated Class 11.

Production of Class 08s began in 1952, with the first entering service in 1953. Over 996 locomotives were built, making it Britain’s most numerous class. Together with 26 Class 09s and 171 Class 10s, total production exceeded a thousand.

Though top speed was just 15 mph, Class 08s excelled in tractive effort, making them essential at depots, freight yards, and terminals. Despite declining demand, many remained in service into the 21st century, with over 40 still operating a decade after privatisation in 1994. Today, more than 80 preserved examples continue shunting duties on heritage railways.