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Bachmann 31-464A

SE&CR C Class 1573 SR Lined Black

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

Prototype Eras
Era 3 (1923 to 1947) The Big Four (LNER, LMS, GWR and SR)
Era 7 (1972 to 1982) British Rail Blue (TOPS)

Manufacturer description

SE&CR C Class 1573 SR Lined Black 

 

Built: 1900 – 1908

Built for: SE&CR (absorbed by the SR)

Designed by: Harry Wainwright

Duties: mixed traffic

Wheels: 0-6-0

 

Highlights

Ideal for use with our Birdcage Coaches

• Fully detailed and decorated cab interior including backhead

• Adjustable tender draw-bar length

• Sprung buffers

• Hinged tender fall-plate

 

History

The end of the 19th century saw the formation of the South Eastern and Chatham Railway, uniting the South Eastern Railway and the London Chatham & Dover Railway under one managing committee. Following the inauguration of its new Locomotive and Carriage Superintendent, Harry Wainwright, a project was begun to replace the small and ailing locomotives of the constituent railways with larger and more powerful machines. The C Class was created as the new railway’s statement goods locomotive, and 109 were constructed between 1900 and 1908. Although used primarily for freight duties, the C Class locomotives were also occasionally engaged in passenger work when required, often for Kent ‘hop pickers’ services.

 

Simple yet robust in construct, the C Class locomotives proved to be a notable success. They gave little trouble in service, achieved good speed and, for engines of a 0-6-0 wheel arrangement, provided a surprisingly comfortable ride. These qualities contributed to a long working life, with all but two of the locomotives surviving into BR ownership and many lasting until the electrification of the Kent Coast in 1959-60. Withdrawals began in 1953 and accelerated during the electrification project.

 

One locomotive from the class – 592 (Southern Railway 1592, BR 31592) – has been preserved and can be seen on the Bluebell Railway.

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 SE&CR C Class locomotive, model number 31‑464A, is a 2020 range ready‑to‑run (Rtr) model with a 21‑pin DCC socket. It represents the South Eastern & Chatham Railway (later Southern Railway) C Class 0‑6‑0 mixed‑traffic engine, running number 1573, finished in a pristine lined black livery. The model measures 215 mm in length, has a minimum curve of 2nd radius (438 mm) and includes features such as a fully detailed cab interior, adjustable tender draw‑bar, sprung buffers and a hinged tender fall‑plate, making it suitable for use with Birdcage coaches.

The prototype locomotives were built between 1900 and 1908 to replace older units after the formation of the SE&CR. Designed by Harry Wainwright, 109 examples were produced; they were primarily used for freight but also performed passenger duties, notably for Kent hop‑pickers. The class proved reliable, offering good speed and a relatively comfortable ride for a 0‑6‑0 wheel arrangement, and most survived into British Railways ownership, with withdrawals commencing in 1953 and accelerating with the Kent Coast electrification of 1959‑60. One member of the class, Southern Railway 1592 (BR 31592), is preserved on the Bluebell Railway.