Bachmann
Order Number: 31-639
Bachmann OO Gauge 31-639 GWR 64XX Pannier Tank 6421 BR Lined Green (Early Emblem)
MODEL FEATURES:
64XX PANNIER TANK HISTORY
First introduced into service with the Great Western Railway in 1932, the 64XX Class is an evolution of the classic GWR Pannier Tank family with its basic design dating back almost 60 years previous. The 64XX was designed by Charles Collett who reworked the classic Pannier Tank concept into a locomotive fit for the twentieth century.
The Class was built for a specific purpose, the working of Push-pull passenger trains – these were also referred to as auto trains. This method of operation was more efficient, as it avoided the need for the locomotive to be uncoupled at the end of each train journey, saving time and money. The GWR pioneered the use of the auto train principle as many of their routes were branch lines. The steeply graded lines of the South Wales valleys were particularly associated with the 64XXs for over 30 years and the entire Class was fitted with equipment to operate with the auto trailers. Their operation was not confined to South Wales however, and examples were well known for working in Devon, Gloucestershire and on other parts of the GWR network.
The 64XXs were a relatively small batch of locomotives, built from 1932 until 1937, the Class eventually totalled 40 examples (Nos. 6400 – 6439). All passed into BR-ownership but with the introduction of DMUs in the 1950s, withdrawals soon began towards the end of the decade, and all were withdrawn from BR use by 1964. Three 64XX locomotives were saved from scrapping and these can now be found operating on heritage lines in the UK.
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