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Bachmann 31-639

GWR 64XX Pannier Tank 6421 BR Lined Green (Early Emblem)

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

Prototype Era
Era 4 (1948 to 1956) British Railways Early Crest

Manufacturer description

Unveiled in the Spring 2022 British Railway Announcements, we are delighted to offer the beautiful Bachmann Branchline GWR 64XX Pannier Tank in BR Lined Green livery with Early Emblem and carrying the number 6421.

With their characteristic shape and elegant design, the Pannier Tanks were a quintessential part of the GWR locomotive fleet and this Branchline model captures the 64XX Class to a tee. With a highly detailed bodyshell – featuring numerous separately-fitted parts including the metal tool hooks on the rear of the bunker – a detailed and decorated cab interior and a smooth-running chassis with a 6 Pin DCC decoder socket, this model is sure to make a stunning addition to your locomotive fleet.

 

MODEL FEATURES:

• Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
• Era 4
• Pristine BR Lined Green (Early Emblem) livery
• Running No. 6421
• Accessory Pack
• NEM Coupling Pockets
• Powerful 3 Pole Motor
• Equipped with a 6 Pin DCC Decoder Socket – recommended Decoder item No. 36-568A
• Length 138mm

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.

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.

The Bachmann Branchline OO scale model represents a Great Western Railway 64XX Pannier Tank locomotive in British Railways Lined Green livery with the early emblem, carrying the running number 6421. The model is finished to a pristine standard, measures 138 mm in length and is fitted with a 6‑pin DCC decoder socket (compatible with decoder item 36‑568A). It is built to era 4 specifications and includes NEM coupling pockets, a powerful 3‑pole motor and an accessory pack.

Key specifications: DCC ready, 0‑6‑0 wheel arrangement, steam motive power, manufacturer part number 31‑639, and a period representation of British Railways early crest. The locomotive class was designed by Charles Collett and was produced between 1932 and 1937, with a total of 40 examples built (numbers 6400‑6439). All were taken into British Railways ownership and withdrawn by 1964, three of which survive on heritage railways.

The model was announced in the Spring 2022 British Railway Announcements and seeks to replicate the distinctive shape and detailed fittings of the original locomotives, including separate metal tool hooks on the rear bunker and a decorated cab interior. It is intended as a detailed addition to OO scale collections.