Rails of Sheffield

Bachmann 32-679A 32-679A Class 45 Split Headcode D25 BR Plain Green (Small Yellow Panels) Diesel Locomotive

The popular Class 45 Diesel Locomotive returns to the Bachmann Branchline range with this OO scale model depicting No. D25 in plain BR Green livery with Small Yellow Panels. Together with the Class 44s and 46s the classes were commonly known as the ‘Peaks’, because the Class 44s had been named after mountains in England and Wales, however many of the Class 45s went unnamed including No. D25.

The Bachmann Branchline model combines a finely-proportioned bodyshell with extensive detailing throughout, including separately fitted cab handrails, windscreen wipers, lamp brackets and sandpipes. With a powerful 5-pole motor fitted with twin flywheels which drives both bogies, these models have plenty of pulling power to haul even the longest trains. With a 21 Pin DCC decoder interface, it’s easy to add a decoder or sound decoder and speaker for use on DCC, or why not opt for one of our SOUND FITTED models and enjoy realistic running sounds straight out of the box.

MODEL FEATURES:

  • Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
  • Era 5
  • Pristine BR Plain Green (Small Yellow Panels) livery
  • Running No. D25
  • Split Headcode Boxes displaying headcodes 1S49 and 1V39
  • NEM Coupling Pockets
  • Sprung Buffers
  • Powerful 5 Pole Motor with Twin Flywheels
  • Detailed Cab Interior with pre-fitted Driver in one cab
  • Directional Lighting
  • Locomotive Ready to Accept a Speaker
  • Accessory Pack
  • Equipped with a 21 Pin DCC Decoder Socket – recommended Decoder item No. 36-557A
  • Length 275mm


CLASS 45 HISTORY

The 127 British Rail Class 45s, also known as the BR-Sulzer Type 4 diesel locomotives, were built by British Railways' Derby and Crewe Works between 1960 and 1962. Along with the similar Class 44 and Class 46 locomotives, they became known as ‘Peaks’. The Class 45s began their lives with a variety of nose ends, incorporating gangway end doors flanked by split headcode boxes (Nos. D11-D15), split headcode boxes but no gangway doors (a group each of Crewe and Derby examples) and twin headcode panels situated in the centre of the nose (the later-built Derby and Crewe specimens). Numerous locos transitioned through a single central headcode panel phase (akin to the Class 46s), before the majority received plated over nose ends with sealed beam headlights in the 1970s. ETH-fitted survivors of Class 45/1 received high intensity headlights in the mid-1980s. Liveries worn were standard BR lined green, 'austerity' green without the cream embellishments of the original livery, and BR blue, a few with small yellow panels, and ultimately the entire class with full yellow ends.

Class 45s became the main traction on the Midland Main Line from 1962, and their introduction allowed considerable acceleration of the previously steam-powered services. The Class 45s remained the main source of power on the Midland Main Line up to 1982, when they were relegated to secondary services following introduction of HSTs on the route. From 1986, Class 45s virtually disappeared from the line. From the early 1980s until their final withdrawal in 1988, the Class were regular performers on the North Trans-Pennine line, working services from Liverpool Lime Street to York, Scarborough or Newcastle via Manchester Victoria, Huddersfield and Leeds. These trains were usually formed of early-type BR Mk2 carriages, of up to seven in a typical train.

The Class 45s also worked several named expresses including the Thames-Clyde and Thames-Forth, also known as The Waverley, on the much-lamented route from Carlisle to Edinburgh via Hawick. Class 45 No. D60 'Lytham St Annes', later No. 45022, is famous for working the final service train over the Waverley route before it closed on 6th January 1969, this being the final Edinburgh to St Pancras sleeping car service.

In operation for over 50 years, Rails of Sheffield has grown to become one of Europe's largest award winning model railway retailers and an industry leader. The business dispatches to customers worldwide via its immensely popular second hand eBay store.
Despite five decades of growth and its transformation into an award-winning national and international retailer, Rails has seen rapid expansion in recent years.

In 2022, to meet the increasing demand of the ever-growing model railway industry, Rails moved into larger warehouse and office spaces in Dronfield, Derbyshire.

Their partnership with the National Railway Museum, Railway Icons and various manufacturers continues to flourish, with multiple exclusive locomotives and rolling stock being designed and developed throughout the year.

Now, as we step into 2025, Rails remains the leading name in the model railway industry, with exciting plans for further expansion and continued dedication to serving model railway enthusiasts and hobbyists from South Yorkshire and beyond!
A BRIEF HISTORY RAILS ORIGINS 1970S - EARLY 1980S

Founded by Hedley Barber in December 1970, Rails' early trade was in buying and selling second-hand model railways, something that remains at the heart of the business to this very day.


Working from the back of Hedley's shop on Holmesdale Road, Dronfield on the southern outskirts of Sheffield, interest grew steadily throughout the decade and by the early-1980s, Rails was a fixture at toy fairs and swap meets such as the regular Buxton Pavilion Fair. Between then and 2000, the team regularly attended thousands of events across the UK - building a loyal customer base.

LAUNCHING THE STORE 1980S - EARLY 1990S

With a growing legion of regular customers building up, a 'proper' shop was required, and Rails moved to Chesterfield Road in Heeley Bottom, a few doors away from the current shop. From here, Rails also expanded its mail order operation and its advertisements became a familiar sight in publications..



In the early-1990s

Rails moved to another shop on Chesterfield Road and established the first part of its permanent base. In 1996, the neighbouring shop unit was acquired and a period of rapid expansion followed.



By the late-1990s

Rails then launched its first website and was pioneering online model railway retail for both new and second hand items. The late-1990s also saw the growth of the 'limited edition' business - with many exclusive liveries commissioned from major manufacturers.

Rapid Expansion - 2000s

The ability to promote and sell rare collectable model trains all over the world transform the second-hand business, a process accelerated with the advent of eBay in the early 2000s. Today Rails is the largest model railway eBay shop in the UK and one of the biggest in the world. To feed this expanding business, the Barber family scoured the country (and sometimes further afield) acquiring model railway collections.

As the business grew, so did the shop, purchased in the 2000s and then a series of nearby buildings and offices added to house the blossoming eBay business, storage, sorting and packing department offices were added.

A New Era - 2010s to 2020s

Sadly, Hedley Barber passed away on August 11th 2015, leaving his son John and grandsons Adam and Oliver and John's wife Tracy to manage the company he founded, with support of other family members and long serving staff. Remaining a family operated business, Rails continued to thrive in the late 2010s.

A major milestone was the opening of the impressive show room in 2018, which features beautiful displays of popular locomotives and rolling stock frames amongst real Sheffield steel, stone walling and natural material. This was the catalyst for the refurbishment of the entire 'front of house' shop now occupying five formerly separate units.

Rails also branched out into the new areas such as commissioning its own exclusive model product under the new 'Rails Limited' brand, bringing new model to the public such as the Stroudley 'Terrier' steam locomotive with Dapol and North Eastern Railway Electric Autocrat with Heljan.

In 2021, Rails opened it all new purpose-built warehouse and offices in Dronfield. The multi-million pound development enable Rails to move all warehousing and administration to this new site to streamline the business and continue to provide customers with the top-tier service they had become accustomed to.

In January 2024, Rails acquired Hatton's Model Railways following its unfortunate closure after many years. Committed to preserving the Hatton's legacy, Rails is integrating customers with the beloved Hatton's Directory & product database. Later in 2024, Rails launched the Vintage Toy Shop, showcasing a treasure trove of rare collectables in Sheffield.

Rails of Sheffield
Rails remains deeply connected to the South Yorkshire community it was established to serve.

...And if you've ever wondered about the origin of the Rails name, it's all down to Hedley's proper Yorkshire attitude to spending money. The original shop on Chesterfield Road had previously been 'The Sheffield Photographic Centre'; rather than buying a new sign, he simply recycled five of the red plastic letters from the old shop front and rearranged them into the name - 'RAILS'!
A True Home-grown Family Business
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED £4.00
Royal Mail aim to deliver within 2 days of dispatch including Saturdays.

*Please note this is not a guaranteed service and parcels may take longer to arrive. We aim to dispatch orders within 24 hours of payment being taken, however this is not a guarantee and in busy times this may take longer.


DHL SERVICE £4.95
Orders are processed and dispatched to DHL within one working day. Tracking information is provided once the parcel is handed over. Delivery times depend on DHL’s service in your region.

*Please note, orders must be placed by 2pm Monday to Friday and by 10am on Saturdays. There is no guarantee for same day dispatch.


INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
For international shipping, we use eBay's Global Shipping Programme
Rails of Sheffield ship to the UK eBay Hub where it's then shipped to your country. You can view shipping charges for your country on individual listings by going into the Postage, Returns and Payments section of the listing.
A True Home-grown Family Business
Returns are accepted within 14 days of delivery. Items must be returned in their original condition. The buyer is responsible for all return postage costs. A refund will be issued once the returned item has been received and inspected.

Please contact us via your eBay order if you aren't quite satisfied with your order. We will try and rectify any issues as quickly as possible.

Refer to eBays returns policy for more information.
Returns Policy
A True Home-grown Family Business
We aim to provide you with the very best service and great second hand model railway items. If you're happy with your order, please consider leaving a 5 star rating and positive feedback. This is always very much appreciated!

Not quite satisfied with your order? Please contact us via your eBay order or phone before leaving feedback and we will try and rectify any issues as quickly as possible.


Our eBay store is updated daily with a variety of different gauges and accessories so keep an eye out as you may just find what you're looking for!

A True Home-grown Family Business
Contact Us

The best way to contact us is through the eBay messaging system


Contact Us

A True Home-grown Family Business
Payment Methods

Payment methods accepted at checkout Paypal, Google Pay, Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

WHY CHOOSE US
Huge Range Check out our massive range of collectable model trains and sets
UK's leading retailer For Model Railways, die cast and collectables
50+ years A true home-grown family business in operation for over 50 years
Award winning retailer Trusted seller with positive reviews
Shop By Category
Check out our social media pages to keep up to date with all things Rails
Facebook
@railsofsheffield
Instagram
@railsofsheffield
Youtube
@railsofsheffield
Twitter/X
@railssheffield
Website
@railsofsheffield.com