Bachmann Europe Plc has announced that as part of its Bachmann Narrow Gauge range, it has released two new OO9 Scale models of the Ffestiniog Railway locomotives Linda and Blanche

2023 marks 60 years since Linda and Blanche were purchased by the Ffestiniog Railway. The announcement of the new models came during Ffestinog’s popular Bygones Weekend, where Bachmann showcased its range of OO9 scale Narrow Gauge models.

Linda and Blanche are affectionately known as the Ladies. They were built for the Penrhyn Quarry Railway in 1893 worked there until the railway closed in 1962. In 1963, both locomotives were purchased by the Ffestiniog Railway and fitted with tenders to increase their fuel capacity. They were later fitted with front pony wheels, becoming 2-4-0STTs (2-4- 0 Saddle Tank with Tender), and in the early-1970s were converted to oil firing.

In 2013 Linda was converted back to coal firing, with Blanche following in 2014. The new Bachmann Narrow Gauge models depict Linda and Blanche in their current condition, as coal-firing locomotives decorated in the stunning Ffestiniog Railway Lined Green livery.

On the technical side, both locomotives are driven by a coreless motor and flywheel with all-wheel pickup, and a Next18 DCC decoder socket with pre-fitted speaker is fitted along with firebox lighting to bring every model to life.

Each model is available in either standard or SOUND FITTED. The standard version costs £229.95, with Linda as item No. 391-135 and Blanche as 391-136. Sound-fitted versions cost £329.95 with Linda as 391-135SF and Blanche as 391-136SF.

Linda and Blanche will initially be available exclusively from the Ffestiniog Railway’s shop, with all sales contributing towards the continued operation of the popular railway that runs from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog.

All versions are in stock now and purchases can be made in person at the Porthmadog shop, or online at www.festrail.co.uk/shop. –