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Bachmann 31-146A

GCR 11F (D11/1) 62667 'Somme' BR Lined Black (Early Emblem)

Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI images rather than photographs

Prototype Eras
Era 2 (1875 to 1923) Pre-grouping
Era 4 (1948 to 1956) British Railways Early Crest

Manufacturer description

LNER Class D11/1 62667 'Somme' BR Lined Black Early Emblem

 

Built: 1919 – 1924

Built for: GCR (absorbed by the LNER)

Designed by: John G. Robinson

Duties: mixed traffic

Wheels: 4-4-0

 

Highlights

• GCR built D11/1 variant

• Adjustable tender draw-bar length

• Sprung buffers

• Hinged tender fall-plate

• Removable coal load with empty coal space modelled below

• Etched nameplates

 

History

The Class D11 came into being as a result of the success of Robinson’s D10 ‘Director’ Class (GCR Class 11E). In 1917, Robinson built his B3 ‘Lord Faringdon’ 4-6-0s, but they never quite matched the renown of the Director Class. As such, the decision was taken to order a batch of five 4-4-0 locomotives similar in design to the D10s. The locomotives received the classification of D11 (GCR Class 11F) and became known as the ‘Improved Directors’.  They were named after GCR Directors, Royalty & WW1 battles and the first batch was delivered between 1919 and 1920. A further six were built in 1922 due to their popularity.

 

On its creation in January 1923, the London & North Eastern Railway (LNER) found itself short of express passenger trains. As an urgent solution, Gresley took the decision to build additional locomotives of the D11.To fit within the restricted North British Railway loading gauge, the original Robinson design was modified to include lower cabs and boiler fittings. They also received a Gresley chimney and a flatter dome, but were not fitted with the original GCR water pick up apparatus. The original GCR Class D11s were classified as D11/1 and the NBR locomotives as D11/2.Twenty-four D11/2 locomotives were delivered over five months during 1924, carrying names of characters from the works of Scottish author, Sir Walter Scott.

 

Withdrawals of the locomotives only began in 1958 but were rapid, with the last of the D11/1s disappearing in December 1960 and the final D11/2 being taken from the tracks at the beginning of 1962. The Class D11 is widely acknowledged as Robinson’s most successful express passenger design.

Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

^* Class names often change over the lifespan of a locomotive, so this is not necessarily the class name used by the operator in the period modelled.

Bachmann GCR 11F (D11/1) model 62667, named Somme, is presented in a pristine condition with a lined black BR livery and early emblem. The locomotive measures 240 mm in length, runs on 4‑4‑0 wheels and is powered by steam. It is DCC ready with a 21‑pin socket and can negotiate a minimum radius of the second curve (438 mm). The model represents a locomotive built in 1919 for the Great Central Railway, later absorbed by the LNER, and carries the British Railways running number 62667.

Key features include an adjustable tender draw‑bar length, sprung buffers, a hinged tender fall‑plate and a removable coal load with an empty coal space modelled beneath. The nameplates are etched and the tender is fitted with a realistic coal bunker. The manufacturer part number is 31‑146A and the model is intended to depict the pre‑grouping period.

The prototype, LNER Class D11/1 “Improved Director”, was designed by John G Robinson and built between 1919 and 1920, with a further batch in 1922. Originally used for mixed‑traffic duties, the class was modified in 1923 to meet the North British Railway loading gauge, receiving a lower cab, modified boiler fittings, a Gresley chimney and a flatter dome. Withdrawals began in 1958 and the last of the D11/1s was removed from service in December 1960. The class is regarded as Robinson’s most successful express passenger design.