Review: Bachmann Class 70 31-591A/ASF w/ Air Intake Modifications 70811 Colas Rail Freight, Sound

Despite it's very industrial appearance, the Class 70 has been one of favourite diesels since it's introduction back in 2009. Bachmann's first model incarnation 12 from years ago captured the appearance well but still had room for improvement. So how does their 2023 version fare and does it address any of the shortcomings of it's predecessor. It's time to take a closer look.
Two applicable models:
31-591A - Class 70 with Air Intake Modifications 70811 Colas Rail Freight (21-pin DCC Ready)
31-591ASF - Class 70 with Air Intake Modifications 70811 Colas Rail Freight (DCC Sound fitted)
Sections:
00:00 - Introduction
01:00 - Unboxing
08:08 - Close-up Views
10:12 - Running Session
12:33 - Summary
14:36 - Scoring
22:46 - Recommendation
Link to video on fitting DCC/Sound: • Bachmann Class 70 DCC ...
Link to full volume running session with no commentary: • Bachmann Class 70 31-5...
Link to review of original version: • Review: Bachmann Class...
Link to running session of the original version with Howes sound: • Bachmann Class 70 Dies...

[@clipperrail8988]

I’ve got the older 70815 in Colas and although a beautiful looking model, for a heavy freight loco it is lightweight and and underpowered. It slows on radius 3 and a very noisy motor. I replaced the small motor and it made no difference. I was glad to see a Colas 70 in the Bachmann range, but was shocked by the price and assumed the loco had been significantly upgraded. For Bachmann to be asking over £210 for DCC ready is appalling. Advice I’d give is wait for it to heavily discounted as we’re seeing now with a lot of Bachmann locos - it’s obvious they are not shifting at the initial prices. The bulk of the market isn’t daft. Thankfully we now have Dapol, Cavalex and Accurascale to prove that we can get top notch models for more sensible prices. Good review as always and mirrors my own experience of a very attractive model.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for sharing. Yeah, a candidate for the bargain bin! It's the nicely rendered livery that attracts modelers but when what's under the hood isn't up to a scratch so best avoided unless you really need it on your layout.

[@vcs00railway84]

😮 Hi Eugene, sounds like like nothing has changed. I have the previous release of the Colas with air intake mods, cost me about £135, I fitted after market sound and ditto to a Freightliner exclusive one Bachmann made. This is not new tooling, its the original but now with the option of factory sound. Nothing tempting here, sticking with ordering a few more Accurascale instead 😊

[@EuviRail]

At £135, you can cut them some slack but not at £212 - that's a crazy increase for the exact same model. When you consider a nice new Accurascale Class 66, that will be cheaper and in a different class to this, there's only one place to put your money.

[@StormmyStormmy]

Hi, great honest review, I seems Bachmann are going down the Hornby route, revamping old models and claiming they are retooled, this will cost them dearly! This loco reminds me of a class 58 upgrade with its shape, most modellers want value for their money, pick up wires and copper pick ups not hidden and bland cab areas show a lack of commitment to customers in my opinion, I believe Accurascale have rattled their cage, i refuse to pay those horrendous eye watering prices! I glad you have reviewed it and shown it as a rip off, I hope another manufacturer takes the class 70 project and does it some justice unlike Bachmann & Robbing, thanks for sharing.

[@EuviRail]

LOL. Thanks for sharing. Money for old rope as they say.

[@hotdogpilot6319]

Thanks Eugene, completely fair re-appraisal of a model that really should have been improved.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks Andy. It's disappointing, as I am a fan of this model but I have to call it as it is.

[@colinmeredith7114]

Excellent review and I thoroughly agree...I'll never buy a Bachmann class 70, the first six were the first and Last!!

[@EuviRail]

Thanks Colin

[@Shelfandtabletoplayouts00gauge]

Still a beautiful model, running issues a worry. The 70s have a very unusual sound which is hard (obviously) to replicate but I’m sure a louder speaker would help, unfortunately with Bachmann there isn’t usually room. I’d still go for it if I modelled modern stuff, these locos are absolute beasts Another super vid, ATB Darren

[@stephendavies6949]

Hello sir. I'm working my way through your work, and very much like your open-minded, fair but critical reviews. I applaud your calling out of the shortcomings of many current models, where the ever increasing prices are not being matched by significant upgrades to the models, this class 70 being a typical case in point.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks Stephen. I have to fork out for these models the same as everyone else so I assess what it's front of me and say it as it is. I can accept the argument that you may need multiple samples of the same model to provide an accurate view on quality in particular. I can't afford that so there are limitations in my approach. Still, glaring issues stand out even with a sample of 1 and the Class 70 is in that category!

[@stephendavies6949]

Yes. He who pays the money is entitled to give his considered opinion, which is much appreciated by your audience. PS: I like your structured approach to reviews and steady camera work. The close-up scenes and running sessions are excellent. IMO you and Sam's Trains are head and shoulders above other reviewers.

[@EuviRail]

@@stephendavies6949 Thanks Stephen, it's an evolving process for sure that has hopefully improved over the years. A major layout enhancement is pending, based on building works in the house next year. More Anon.

[@sapphirejunction8993]

Excellent & fair review. A couple of years ago I did have both Colas 70805 & Freightliner 70015 variants (both with the air intake modifications) but sold them off due to getting Bachmann to replace the motors on both as they sounded really rough and had issues pulling a decent rake, the loco's have no weight and fitting a decent size speaker to get proper sound reproduction is impossible. Also the fact you have to flip a switch for day or night running is poor and needs to be controlled by the decoder as well as having proper prototypical lighting at this atrocious price. You are absolutely right in regards to value and your wish list is spot on and reminiscent of what I have pointed out in the past elsewhere, for me Bachmann are just fleecing their customers with this model and their Class 47/37's as well but at least they are new tooled. I wanted a Colas Class 70 for my Revolution Trains Log wagons but have to give this a wide berth especially at that ridiculous price, thankfully Colas are using Class 56's on logs now thus my attention will now turn to the new Cavalex Models Colas Class 56 to purchase and it will be cheaper with or without sound.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for the comments. I would expect the Cavalex Colas 56 to be a much superior model to the Bachmann 70. I would be going for it myself only for I picked up a Hornby Colas 56 with sound for a bargain a few months ago and it will serve my needs.

[@theeventhorizon-valebridge9512]

Another excellent review Eugene, thank you. When I heard that they were to rerelease this model with factory fitted sound I was extremely tempted to pre-order to secure one. I thought about it for 10 seconds and decided that was a very stupid idea so I refrained from doing so, and I'm so pleased I did! I felt the price was absolutely ridiculous and obscene, even with the usual 15% off. (Yes, OBSCENE!) I also wanted to know that the sound would be very good and that the weight and motor would also be improved from the old model. From your review an other YT videos it is clear that this does not meet my expectations. In fact the sound is a total and complete embarrassment, dreadful, awful! Bachmann should be thoroughly ashamed of supplying it like this. It appears quite evident to me that Bachmann are doing a "cashing in" job with this release, with no attempt to revise the quality of the previous issued model. It had been a very sort after model on the secondhand market and thus commanded very high prices. Bachmann must have recognised an opportunity just to make a fast buck by rereleasing this old model. They are charging the same prices as their new obscene going rate for the newly tooled ranges of 37s and 47s, the SF and SFX ranged models! They are abusing their customers with this offering. If it was priced more realistically, much lower as being a rehash of the previous model, then that might be different. I will wait until the deals start to appear in a year or so's time and perhaps, just maybe, look at it again if a 40% of RRP happens upon a website! It would have to be for a non factory sound version and I'll fit my own! As with the newly tooled 37s and 47, they are are now appearing with huge percentage discounts from many retailers! If people refuse to pay their initial silly release prices then I guarantee you that they will bring their prices down. They will have to! If you keep paying it, they will keep charging it too!

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for that. Your point on pre-ordering is a very valid one. A lot of modelers get sucked into it so you end paying top dollar without really knowing what you're going to get. The discounted retooled 37s and 47s are now just getting to a point you'd consider them. Thankfully you didn't commit on this one like I did.

[@Mapplewell_Park]

With regards the stalling. I bought the Bachmann class 20 with Sound last year. It also stalled and sound cut out straight out of the box. It turned out not all the contacts where making good contact. My local model shop rectified this when he weathered it. But disappointing on a brand new model, might be worth checking on the 70. It’s a shame it didn’t do well in the review I’ve always been fascinated by class 70 as not many model versions about. Price is ridiculous aswell. Great review as always 👍👌

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for that. I've seen that issue with contacts before so it's definitely worth a check.

[@jonathanmillar1975]

Great review and fully agree as I have previously posted and we have discussed. The Bachmann Class 66 is a brilliant model and wish this was similar stand. No excuses Bachmann we all know you can make great diesel models. Agree with everyone about the Bachmann prices. Only purchased the Class 70 as I wanted this model in the Colas livery and no other manufacturer produces one yet! If you are listening Accurascale, Dapol or Cavalex. Only way we are going to see these ridiculous price go away is for other manufacturers to produce a rival version that is better. Getting fed up of having to pay ridiculous prices. I refuse to buy Hornby stuff now as they are not value for money or good quantity. Bachmann getting the same on price which is a shame really as they do some really nice stuff when they are on their A game.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks Jonathan. I think a lot of modern image freight modelers will likewise want to get a 70 in this livery and Bachmann know this from the crazy pre-owned prices. There can be no excuse for churning out a model that clearly needed some work and pricing it as that did.

[@colwichjunction3366]

Great review… I really like the real class 70, a real beast! Shame Bachmann haven’t improved the latest version. Another manufacturer resting on their laurels? Accurascale have raised the bar across the board for OO RTR models, I’d really like a 70 for my layout. The price puts me off after seeing your review. Thanks for reviewing. Cheers John b😎

[@EuviRail]

Thanks John. Unfortunately this model isn't worth the money. Reviewing the Accurascale 37 just after this only highlighted the gap between these models and the Bachmann 70 was the more expensive! I love the real world Class 70 as well so hoping we see a worthy representation in the future.

[@torridonroadbypeterdixon4162]

Hi Eugene, I have the last version with the air intake mod, I fitted with Legoman sound with a ESU decoder and yes it can just about pull 10 ballast wagons because of lack of weight. However I noticed on your model the lights are wrong. The 70 has an unusual arrangement with top light on one side on and bottom light on the other side with of corse the light above the cab as well. Take a look at your old model and see if Im right. If Bachmann changed the lighting on this there was no need to as what went before was right. Plenty of videos on KZbin showing this. Anyway do love the way it looks do not love Bachmann prices so its a no from me All the best Peter

[@EuviRail]

Hi Peter, I forgot to mention it in the video but the dip switch for the front lights was actually set to the night configuration . It was this way out of the box so I missed it when I was filming the running session. When I switched it back, it matched with the original. and what I've seen online. Thanks for commenting.

[@lucitonstjames3925]

Nice review Eugene , it’s fair to say it’s new money for old rope. I bought my Freightliner one in 2016 for £89.85 from Rails of Sheffield & it’s fair to say that’s all it’s worth. Never had any issues with the one I have , it pulls my heavy Freightliner set. Where they figure out that’s a £349 the lord alone knows. They need to have a long hard think at Bachmann , their pricing vs what you are getting is nowhere what it should be. Rolls Royce models at Rolls Royce prices, I’m afraid not. Delusions of grandeur seem to have descended upon them, they’re basically saying that this 70 is in the sane calibre as the Marklin / Trix class 66 in terms of pricing. Bachmann are no Marklin.

[@EuviRail]

Yeah, I still can't fathom the RRP. I think I paid £160 for the original version with sound added which is line with what you paid. Thanks for commenting.

[@gerrybvr]

Excellent review as always Eugene. With your advice I think my wallet is safe from this one.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks Gerry. Yeah, there are better places to put your money for sure.

[@petertate8366]

Perhaps Accurascale should have a bash at this model 🤔 Only decent feature is the added driver ! At 298.00 its ludicrous Eugene. Itll make a nice ornament. All the best mate.Lets hope your next review has a more positive outlook.

[@jamtart606]

I don't think it would make sense for Accurascale to do a 70 considering they've only been in two liveries and having had only a minor modification to their air intakes.

[@EuviRail]

It's definitely a case of lack of competition and Bachmann probably reckon that the Class 70 is more of a niche model than many others so the likes of Accurascale and Dapol are unlikely to go there. All they had to do was deliver a similar quality to their Class 66s for example. Such as pity.

[@mus256f]

I've always said that the Bachmann class 70 is the equivalent of the Hornby class 58 for haulage.

[@97SEMTEX]

Another great review Eugene, this one has puzzled me to say the least. they are asking close to £300 at retailers, which would be expensive even still if this model didn't have all these quality issues you mentioned. The one that gets me is the lack of stay alive capacitor?? this is such an oversite in my eyes it really makes me wonder how long Bachmann spent "upgrading/updating" this particular locomotive. This strikes me over a very blinkered view of the modern DCC sound market. Things like this are no longer acceptable with the likes of Accurascale (and dapol to an extent) sharing the same customer base. Accurascales Class 55, 92, 66, 37 and 50 all asks less £££ for more quality and detail. Its a real shame as well as the printing and detail on this loco look top end, quality wise. But the lacking mechanics and electronics really bring that into question. I think I will be waiting for the DCC ready ones to come down in price significantly before I bother aquiring one and then I'll do the DCC sound justic for the model myself.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for that. Yeah, appearance wise I'm good with model but what's under the hood ain't good as they say.

[@Max.railways]

Looks alright. Bachmann’s new releases look amazing

[@EuviRail]

No real issue on the appearance front which is very good. Issues with the running and sound however.

[@Max.railways]

@@EuviRail yeah, I can’t afford to buy it at the moment and would if I could.

[@clivengauge]

Great review model very nice shame about the sound looks good though thanks for sharing 👍

[@EuviRail]

Thanks Clive

[@alanrobertson9790]

I have the green without the extra intakes and the orange with the intakes so I feel fortunate, particularly after your review, that I don't need anymore. Maybe a third livery will be introduced one day. My 70s seem OK but dont have the sound which highlights any interuption to power issues. Yes for some reason many of latest Bachmanns 20, 37 and 25 have noisy running. I fixed a couple of them caused by unsecured motors clicking. Should not get this on new expensive Bachmanns. I suppose they wont do anything about these faults until people return the models instead of fixing it for themselves. Thought your review was pretty fair.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks Alan. Agree on the motor front. Of all the areas in a model, the motor is not the one to try to cut costs. For many folks, this could be a 10-15 year investment so it needs to be up to the job.

[@drevo50]

Excellent review. Bachmann's diesel motors are strange; most I have are smooth and quiet, others noisy and sticky/stalling, even removed from the model and tested on the bench. One of the motors in my Blue Pullman went this way after a few years of limited use; replacement cheap enough and is ok but the quality is suspect. My 1960s original series Triang BP still works fine with its original motor! Many other shortcomings, of course, not least the wheels designed for Super 4 track so replaced.

[@James-ih4gz]

bought myself gen van and buffet car in ir livery on pre order from marks models

[@SimonWitt]

Bachmann are an odd lot to figure out. Their newly tooled models are fantastic and are right up there with the best for diesels and electrics and the 20s at least which are top notch can be found for pretty decent prices. Then there's stuff like this taking a page out of Hornby's book of dusting off an older model, slapping a new livery on it and demanding top whack for it. I get that not every release can be a newly tooled model, but the bean counters really need to have some perspective when pricing their models

[@EuviRail]

100%. Thanks for commenting Simon.

[@AllensTrains]

I think I like this model in the green livery. On the basis of this review, the old version is the better buy! Thanks for uploading another thoughtful and carefully considered review!

[@EuviRail]

I do like this livery but all things considered I'm much happier with my original purchase. You'll probably find the Powerhaul livery at a better price second hand than this one.

[@bachmannobsessed2234]

Both my freightliners struggle to pull a decent rake of container wagons, the weight isn’t on the heavy side like the hattons class 66 one which pulls a decent rake of containers

[@alanrobertson9790]

The Hornby KFAs are the best in terms of running resistance. I reckon the 70s would do 8 x Hornby KFAs OK. Dapol and Hattons did some metal freightliner wagons and those are heavy so can see where you are coming from.

[@EuviRail]

Dapol intermodal trailers can be heavy alright. Their pocket wagons are lighter and per Alan the KFAs are very free running.

[@Johnvaughan-zs4wl]

I have purchased the non-DCC version of this Bachmann Colas Class 70 model and I am delighted with it. The price may be high so that dealers and retailers can attract the crowds by offering significant discounts to RRP as a marketing ploy. The review complained about the sound but I found the sound of the actual review very poor with a muffled sounding voice and speech that was delivered too quickly. The detail of the model is excellent. My only complaint is that the model is Made in China !!

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for sharing John. I guess my issue was that this was a 10-year old model, that wasn't perfect to start out with, and Bachmann did a re-run with no enhancements apart from the price. I'll accept my own fault for pre-ordering it at a 10% discount whereas if I had waited I would got it for less. The DCC Ready version was definitely the one to go for.

[@Teesbrough]

Feels like you’re still being a bit generous with some of your scores, Eugene, despite your comments. Compared to the sets of notes and potted histories which Accurascale and Rapido provide, a squitty piece of paper has to score below average, surely? Shouldn’t that ‘average’ for an objective standard be 5, not 9? Otherwise, what’s your different standards applied for 1, 2, 3 and 4? Anyway, I always appreciate your reviews, this one included. Thank you.

[@EuviRail]

Hi, I'll accept I could have gone in harder on the performance and value fronts in particular. The DDC Sound docs at 1 page is poor and give it's a Zimo decoder, folks who are primarily ESU based would have to do some digging. Was conscious a 3rd party decoder and stay alive would fix a lot though the motor would still be underpowered. Bachmann have dropped the ball on this one. Thanks for commenting.

[@James-ih4gz]

Btw Murphy models mk 2s went on pre order. Also will you be testing out the Crossley sound chips that came out recently. The Murphy models stuff in terms of the coaches 60 euro per coach. So prices have gone up though they have new bogies and couplings have been repaired too on mk 2. Paddy Murphy comes to are model railway club quite often south Dublin model railway club that is. So saw a teaser of what was to come

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for sharing James. I've just seen them on Marks. I have the Galway Buffet and EGV but no regular coaches so will look at a few of those. I have 2 Crossley sound chips so I need to one of these a run out sooner rather than later. Want to see what sort of train configuration I can put together for this era. I haven't installed these yet so I am curious. Just backed up with other videos.

[@James-ih4gz]

@@EuviRail btw look out for the 141s there coming too as well and 181s theyll be coming 2024 from what I know Paddy was saying they have few things improved and so on. They are listed on Hatton's. But not on marks website yet cause they haven't got the pricing yet

[@James-ih4gz]

@@EuviRail I mean the green park royals from irm and some the murphy models green coaches would be a perfect look only need something to represent a van

[@EuviRail]

@@James-ih4gz Yeah, I'd love to have the Park Royals but will have to make do with some alternative for now. I have a heater van from Silver Fox so I'm good on the front. It'll be a pretty motley rake which will be in keeping with the time period even if all the coaches aren't!

[@tobyytlai]

What was the price 10 years ago?

[@russellbenton2987]

Typical Bachmann extracting the most from the railway enthusiast

[@EuviRail]

Unfortunately so.

[@RonCooper-nl4pn]

I like your review on this awful looking Diesel, I am a 66 man and love the Colas livery. What was in the accessory pack then ? 24:45

[@EuviRail]

Hi Ron, the detailing kit contains both a full valence and a slotted valence to allow for a coupler. It also has the second nem pocket and tension lock coupler. It also contains some pipework for detailing the buffer beams.

[@TonyJWalker]

I've got this model and found it daft that you cannot control the tail lights thru the decoder. There's no day/night light option either. I've swapped out the speaker for two mega bass speakers and it has improved the sound. But still disappointed with the model overall.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for sharing Tony. Yeah, the lack of a lighting control via DCC was a let down as well. The livery rendition is good but that's it. Disappointing for sure.

[@ciaranburke3243]

Nice review Bachmann are seriously dragging there heels here 🙄

[@EuviRail]

Thanks Ciaran. 100%

[@rosseades4213]

Doesn't sound Very good at them prices well done doing a video on the class 70 i think them prices must put people off getting into the hobby!!!!!! Well done Eugene

[@EuviRail]

Thanks Ross.

[@mrbluesky2050]

was never a fan of the class 70 ( Fuglies..or predators as they got called..) what with one jumping back into the ship, and then over two-thirds of the original freightliner ones being side-lined for several years, not withstanding that freightliner cancelled the last ten of the thirty ordered originally. it was really only Colas, who took the last ( cancelled) third of the original batch, later to add seven more who made a go of the real things. I do have two of the second release of the Colas ones, but only tickle them about on my diesel servicing point, so never had them on a 'proper' train, they do run O.K. but the body shape doesn't allow for larger speakers of much additional weight. A problem child perhaps in real life, and model form? and by the way, this release doesn't even feature the latest ( and it would seem , forever changing..) Colas emblems.... Anyway, thanks for a good and honest review..... don't think I'll be adding to the pair I have, mainly 'cos I have a Cavalex 56 on order, and then there's the class 60......

[@derekmulready1523]

Always enjoyable. But, Posting the £ price is somewhat misleading. £350:00 = €405:00. It can for me . Stay on the Shelf. 🇮🇪🇪🇺

[@EuviRail]

Thanks Derek. Yep, the euro figure is an even bigger turn-off. No value here I'm afraid.

[@lucysblade]

The first and most critical feature of a model train imo is that it runs well. If it can’t do that then all else is irrelevant. Thanks for the review….I’ll pass.

[@EuviRail]

A pass for sure. Thanks for commenting.

[@johnoneill5661]

A good review of a very expensive locomotive for what you actually get. 👎☹️ It looks like they have not upgraded anything apart from the price 🤯 I would love to know how/where they get the figures for the RRP price as they definitely do not correspond to what you actually receive in the box.🤔🤔🤔 I think that Accurascale has shown that you can get a lot more loco for a lot less money.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks John. Yeah, the price is actually marketing, making you think it's retooled!

[@penrithroad7478]

The Bachmann 70 always been poor regards running not enough pulling power, a naff motor and the loco is to light. Unfortunately the interior of the model was designed wrong. Now ripping people of with this piece of junk with same old tooling and shocking sound it’s a shame because actual body is excellent. Let’s hope some another manufacturer takes it on and does a proper job of the class 70.

[@EuviRail]

Yeah, as long as a model is single sourced like this you're always likely to see corners being cut. Combining a poor model with a crazy price is particularly bad though as you say the body is excellent but the rest of the design is poor. Thanks for commenting.

[@newdurhamjunctionmodelrail9236]

Great model rubbish sound mine I've upgraded the speaker which is a must s mini mega base from @Roadsandrails #Richard Croft like you say its a solid great model speaker let's it down Bachmann should have upgraded their speakers to the price of their models

[@EuviRail]

Yeah, it's probably got the worst sound of any model in this price range. Thanks for commenting.

[@newdurhamjunctionmodelrail9236]

@EuviRail no problem bachmann need to up their a game if they are charging more for their models