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Class 201 6S Hastings

Class 202 6L Hastings

Class 203 6B Hastings

Class 204 3T Hampshire

Class 205 2/3H Hampshire

Class 206 3R Tadpole

Class 207 3D Oxted

Class 210 Prototype DEMU

Class 221 Voyager

Class 222 Super Voyager

Class 230 D-Train

Class 251 Blue Pullman

Class 252 Prototype HST

Class 253 HST

Class 254 HST

Class 255 HST

Class 800 Super Express

The Class 205, or 2H and 3H Hampshire diesel-electric multiple units were built in four batches, 1101-1118 in 1957 for non-electrified services in Hampshire and 1119-1122 in 1958 for the Hastings-Ashford line and branches. 1123-1126 were built as three car sets in 1959 to augment the first batch for services in Hampshire whilst the final batch, 1127-1133 were built in 1962 as three car sets for services from Reading to Salisbury and other services in Berkshire. There are slight differences between batches.

The first batch had an additional centre trailer car added and were re-classified 3H. Some of these had the centre car removed but remained Class 205. The second batch were originally classified as Class 204, but with the withdrawal of the Class 206 units, they were strengthened to three car units and re-classified as Class 205. Usually, the forst and third batches are referred to as Hampshire Units and the fourth batch as Berkshire Units.

So, a somewhat complicated history and a minefield for a model. However, Kernow Models Rail Centre commissioned Bachmann to produce the Class 205. They are available in BR Green, BR Blue and Network Southeast liveries. I have a model of the two car green version with small yellow warning panel, numbered 1121. So this makes it a model of an original two car set for the Hastings-Ashford services and technically a Class 204, becoming Class 205's from 1979 with the addition of a centre trailer.

The model itself however, is an excellent little unit. It is crammed with detail and even complete with with tiny reproduction lettering on the yellow warning panel. Performance is what you would expect, very smooth and controllable. Altogether a first class effort from Bachmann.

MJT produce an etched brass kit of the 3H version.