Description
Bachmann 31-500BP Class 158 158868 – Regional Railways Express 2-Car DMU
OO Gauge | ANALOGUE DC | PRE-OWNED | MINOR BODYSIDE CRACK
PLEASE NOTE – THIS IS A PRE-OWNED ITEM
Bachmann Branchline OO Gauge model of Class 158 Express Sprinter No.158868, finished in the distinctive Regional Railways Express livery.
This two-car Diesel Multiple Unit represents one of British Rail's second-generation passenger trains, introduced for longer-distance regional and cross-country services.
The model is from Bachmann's older, pre-DCC Class 158 tooling and is offered in OK pre-owned condition.
The unit has been tested and runs well, although it does produce some running noise characteristic of these older Bachmann models.
Please note that there is a minor bodyside crack near the coach end on one vehicle, as detailed below.
Model Details
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Manufacturer: Bachmann Branchline
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Catalogue Number: 31-500BP
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Class: British Rail Class 158 Express Sprinter
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Unit Number: 158868
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Formation: 2-Car DMU
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Livery: Regional Railways Express
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Scale: OO Gauge
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Control: Analogue DC – Pre-DCC
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Tooling: Older Bachmann release
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Condition: Pre-Owned – OK
Model Features
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Two-car Class 158 Express Sprinter formation
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Regional Railways Express livery
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Applied unit numbers and markings
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Detailed bodyside and window arrangements
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Working directional lighting
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Traditional analogue DC operation
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Original older-style Bachmann Class 158 tooling
Pre-Owned Condition & Testing
UNIT TESTED – 01/10/2026
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Unit tested and runs well
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Some running noise present, consistent with the characteristics of these older Bachmann models
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Minor bodyside crack near the coach end on one vehicle
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Directional lighting tested and working correctly
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Analogue DC operation – not DCC fitted
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Overall condition described as OK
Important – Minor Bodyside Crack
PLEASE NOTE – THERE IS A SLIGHT CRACK TO THE BODYSIDE AT THE COACH END OF ONE VEHICLE.
This is a minor cosmetic defect, but it is clearly identified so customers are aware of the condition before purchasing.
The unit has been tested and runs well despite this issue.
Running Characteristics
During testing on 01/10/2026, the unit was confirmed as running well.
There is some audible noise from the mechanism during operation. However, this is consistent with the running characteristics commonly associated with Bachmann's original Class 158 models.
The noise has been noted for transparency and is not currently being identified as a confirmed mechanical fault.
Directional Lighting
The unit's directional lighting operates correctly, changing with the direction of travel as expected.
Analogue DC Operation
PRE-DCC MODEL – ANALOGUE DC
This is an older, pre-DCC Bachmann release designed for conventional analogue DC operation.
No DCC decoder is fitted.
Any proposed DCC conversion would require assessment of the original mechanism and electrical arrangement.
Regional Railways Express Sprinter
The Class 158 Express Sprinter became an important part of British Rail's regional passenger fleet, operating longer-distance services throughout the country.
The distinctive Regional Railways Express livery makes No.158868 particularly suitable for an OO Gauge layout representing the late British Rail period and the transition towards railway privatisation.
This pre-owned Bachmann model provides a complete two-car formation with working directional lighting and good running performance, although the minor bodyside crack and characteristic running noise should be taken into consideration when purchasing.
