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The AL5, later Class 85, was the final type of ac electric locomotive built for the WCML electrification. Forty locomotives, E3056-E3095, were built at BR Doncaster between 1961 and 1964. Originally fitted with twin pantographs, they were painted Electric Blue with white cab roofs and window surrounds. They later gained a small yellow warning panel. The original 'E' numbers were cast aluminium applied beneath each cab windows with a cast aluminium crest mid body sides.  The second pantograph was removed later and with conversion to air braking, three air cylinders were mounted on the roof in this position. The class became Class 85 under the TOPS system and were renumbered 85 001- 85 040 and painted corporate blue with white transfer numbers and double arrow. They were withdrawn in the early 1990's, with one, E3061, later 85 006 and later still 85 101, being preserved at Barrow Hill.

I have two versions of the Bachmann model, one in plain electric blue and the other in electric blue with small yellow warning panel appearing in October 2015. The model features working lights and cab lights. Included in the pack were additional hoses and couplings as well as some nice etched aluminium numbers and crest. For me, it is just a pity that E3095 does not have the twin pantographs.

This Bachmann model is truly excellent and must rate as one of the best 'modern image' models to date. It shows what the company can do when they apply the same attention to detail to 'modern image' as they do to their steam engines, unlike some of their earlier attempts at diesels! Even the quill drive is visible in the wheel centres!

MTK also produced a white metal kit and I believe L&J Models produced a resin bodied version. DC Kits produced two versions, the earlier one with white metal ends, roof and sideframes with etched brass sides. The later kit was a resin bodied kit. Although I have the DC Kits resin bodied version, I have not built it as Bachmann announced their RTR version.