Product Highlight: OO Scale GWR 49XX ‘Hall’ Class
The Bachmann Branchline range of OO Scale models has recently welcomed the return of a long-time favourite for fans of the Great Western Railway, the GWR 49XX ‘Hall’ Class. Three new models are now available from Bachmann stockists, so it’s a perfect time to have a look at them in more detail.
Each model sports all the hallmarks that give these GWR locomotives their iconic style, from the brass safety domes to the separately fitted copper cab atop the chimney. Many other components are separately fitted too, such as the steam pipes, splashers and metal lamp brackets, as well as further metal details including the handrails and handrail knobs, all of which demonstrate the accurate detailing applied to the Branchline model.
The cab features window glazing and a detailed boiler backhead which is enhanced by decorated controls, pipes and gauges. The bufferbeams have sprung buffers, whilst under the running plate the authentic 4-6-0 wheel formation of the locomotive is encircled with metal valve gear, brake rigging, sandboxes and metal sandpipes. All three models represent locomotives that were equipped with Collett-designed tenders and these too are highly detailed with the separate handrails, brake handle, water scoop and operating handle all present, and brake rigging surrounding the tender wheels.
The models also share the following features:
- Powerful 3 Pole Motor
- Equipped with a 8 Pin Decoder Socket – recommended Decoder item No.36-566A
- Adjustable Tender Drawbar
- NEM Coupling Pockets
- Accessory Pack
- Etched Nameplates and Numberplates included
In the early 1920s, the Great Western Railway had recognised that they had a need for a new mixed traffic locomotive to cope with the increase of passenger and freight traffic on their network. Using an existing Saint Class as a starting point, Charles B. Collett made several modifications in order to create the prototype for the locomotive that became the 49XX ‘Hall’ Class. This new design was considered to be successful and several Hall Class engines had been built by the beginning of the 1930s. The final Hall classes were built during the early years of the 1940s, at which point over 250 had been constructed. The success of these locomotives meant that only one had been withdrawn by the time that the GWR was nationalised into British Railways, and the rest of the class continued in use until they were finally withdrawn between 1959 and 1965. Several class members survived into preservation, including all three of the locomotives that are depicted by these new models.
GWR 49XX ‘Hall’ Class No. 5900 ‘Hinderton Hall’ GWR Lined Green (GW Crest)
Our first new GWR 49XX ‘Hall’ Class model is No. 5900. This engine is decorated in the GWR’s lined green livery with the Great ‘Crest’ Western branding and has been given the name ‘Hinderton Hall’. This locomotive has been preserved and can currently be seen at the Didcot Railway Centre.
| Era | Running No. | Name | Product Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5900 | ‘Hinderton Hall’ | 32-004A |
GWR 49XX ‘Hall’ Class No. 4953 ‘Pitchford Hall’ BR Lined Black (Early Emblem)
The next GWR 49XX ‘Hall’ Class is No. 4953, which has been given the name ‘Pitchford Hall’ and is decorated in the lined black livery of British Railways with the early BR emblem on the tender. The real locomotive has also been preserved and can currently be found at the Epping Ongar Railway.
| Era | Running No. | Name | Product Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4953 | ‘Pitchford Hall’ | 32-002B |
GWR 49XX ‘Hall’ Class No. 4936 ‘Kinlet Hall’ BR Lined Green (Late Crest)
The final GWR 49XX ‘Hall’ Class model is No. 4936 which depicts the locomotive in BR’s lined green livery with the late crest on the tender. Named ‘Kinlet Hall’, this engine has been preserved and is currently undergoing restoration at the Tyseley Locomotive Works for the West Somerset Railway.
| Era | Running No. | Name | Product Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4936 | ‘Kinlet Hall’ | 32-008 |
These ‘Hall’ class models are available from retailers now, so head to the Bachmann Europe website where you can find more information. Once you’ve selected your models, get in touch with your nearest retailer to order yours!
Your nearest retailer can be found by using the Retailers page on our website, which can be accessed either from the menu at the top of the page or by clicking on the button below.
