Product Highlight: OO Scale GWR Tank Engines
The Great Western Railway (GWR) lasted for over a hundred years before it was absorbed into British Railways in 1948, and during those years they had a large number of different designs for Tank Engines. It should be no surprise that several of these are depicted in the Bachmann Branchline range of OO Scale models, so lets have a more detailed look at these locomotives.
Our models depict classes of tank engines that were built during the later years of the GWR, starting with the 4575 Class ‘Prairie’ Tanks and 57XX Pannier Tanks designed by Charles Collett in 1927 and 1929, up to the 94XX Class which was introduced at the very end of the GWR’s tenure in 1947 by Frederick Hawksworth and continued to be constructed until 1956 under British Railways. During this time, the Great Western Railway had a policy of using standardised parts in their locomotives, which led to their tank engines having a number of similar looking designs with common features, although each locomotive class has its own unique features depending on when it was built and what purpose the locomotive was intended for.
Due to the wide range of locomotives employed by the Great Western Railway, and the large numbers in which they were built, many GWR tank locomotives survived into preservation after being withdrawn and they are common sight at heritage railways across the country.
GWR 4575 Prairie Tank
Our first set of GWR Tank Locomotives are the 4575 Class ‘Prairie’ Tanks. Their precision moulded bodyshells feature separately fitted details including lubricators, and tank ventilators. Under the running plate, these models have a 2-6-2 wheel arrangement with springs, brake blocks, brake rigging and sand boxes in addition to outside cylinders and separate wire sandpipes.
Like all of the models on this page, these 4575 ‘Prairie’ Tank locomotives feature sprung buffers and NEM coupling pockets. They are driven by a powerful 3 pole motor and are equipped with an 8-pin DCC decoder socket, which can be used with a DCC decoder such as our item No. 36‑566A.
GWR 56XX Tank
Our next set of GWR Tank Locomotives are the 56XX Class. These models have fewer wheels than the 4575s, but the real versions of both were built with standard GWR components, so our models likewise have a similar level of details with metal handrails, intricate lubricators, tank ventilators and sprung metal buffers alongside the precision moulded bodyshells.
The same springs, brake blocks, brake rigging and sand boxes, along with separate wire sandpipes are present under the running plates, but this time the locomotives have an 0-6-2 arrangement and no outside cylinders. These models are also powered by a 3 pole motor and have 8-pin DCC decoder sockets, which are suitable for DCC decoder such as our item No. 36‑566A.
GWR 8750 and 57XX Pannier Tanks
Our next set of GWR Tank Locomotives are the ubiquitous Pannier Tank, with variants from both the 8750 and 57XX Classes. These models feature injection moulded bodyshells which include details such as rivets and panels, as well as the details that are specific for each class such as the shapes of the windows on the front of the cabs. Adorning the bodyshells are several separately fitted components including tank fillers, safety valves, whistles and the whistle guard, as well as metal handrails and handrail knobs.
The locomotives’ chassis depict several details such as springs, brake blocks, brake rigging and sand boxes along with separate wire sandpipes. Our Pannier Tank models are powered by a three pole motor, and also feature NEM coupling pockets and sprung buffers. For modellers who wish to upgrade to DCC, there is an 8 Pin DCC decoder Socket which is recommended for use with our item No. 36‑566A.
One of these Pannier Tank models is 57XX Class No. 7752 decorated in the GWR’s Green livery with GWR lettering. This model is part of our new Railway Celebrations range and depicts the locomotive that celebrated the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway by taking part in the 1975 Cavalcade between Shildon and Heighnington.
| Era | Type | Livery | Running No. | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 8750 Pannier Tank | GWR Green (Shirtbutton) | 3650 | 32‑198 |
| 3 | 8750 Pannier Tank | GWR Green (Great Western) | 8791 | 32‑204A |
| 4 | 8750 Pannier Tank | BR Lined Black (Early Emblem) | 9600 | 32‑205B |
| 7 | 57XX Pannier Tank | GWR Green (GWR) | 7752 | 32‑215A |
GWR 94XX Pannier Tank
Our final set of GWR Tank Locomotives are the 94XX Class Pannier tanks. As with the previous models, these feature separately fitted handrails along the bodyshell, with the addition of metal lamp brackets, a separate dart on the smokebox door and a copper cap around the chimney. The cab is similarly detailed, with fully decorated controls and dials which are enhanced by firebox lighting.
These 94XX Pannier Tank models are powered by a coreless motor and feature a Next18 DCC decoder socket, which enables DCC control when used with a Next18 DCC decoder such as our item No. 36-567B. They also feature sprung buffers and NEM coupling pockets.
There are also SOUND FITTED versions of both models, each of which is fitted with an ESU Loksound V5 DCC Sound Decoder that has been pre-programmed with an exclusive sound project containing over 20 functions. The SOUND FITTED models may also be used on most Analogue (DC) layouts, where they will play normal-load running sounds, acceleration steam chuff sounds and many other automatic and randomised sounds when power is applied.
| Era | Livery | Running No. | Standard | SOUND FITTED |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | BR Black (Early Emblem) | 9481 | 35‑026A | 35‑026ASF |
| 5 | BR Black (Late Crest) | 9463 | 35‑027A | 35‑027ASF |
Most of these GWR locomotives are already available, with the last few due to arrive in the coming weeks, 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.
