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Bachmann 32-875A

LMS Fairburn Tank 2245 LMS Black (Original)

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

Prototype Era
Era 3 (1923 to 1947) The Big Four (LNER, LMS, GWR and SR)

Manufacturer description

We are delighted to present the Bachmann Branchline LMS Fairburn Tank as No. 2245 in LMS Black livery.

The Bachmann Branchline range has long provided a rich seam of OO scale models for the steam enthusiast and this latest release of the Fairburn Tank upholds that tradition. Overrunning with detail, some of the highlights of this magnificent model include the fine metal handrails, the sprung buffers and the separately fitted lamp irons. Turned Brass safety valves sit atop the firebox, whilst the abundance of rivets, a discernible feature on the prototype, is faithfully replicated in miniature, even on the diecast frames at the front end. These large tank locomotives have a big presence and with its substantial weight, you can expect this Bachmann Branchline model to deliver a performance befitting its powerful appearance.

 

MODEL FEATURES:

• Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
• Era 3
• Pristine LMS Black (Original) livery
• Running No. 2245
• Accessory Pack
• NEM Coupling Pockets
• Sprung Buffers
• Powerful 3 Pole Motor
• Equipped with a 8 Pin Decoder Socket – recommended Decoder item No.36-566
• Length 190mm

 

FAIRBURN TANK HISTORY

The London Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) ‘Fairburn’ 2-6-4 Tank locomotives were designed by Charles E. Fairburn, Chief Mechanical Engineer of the LMS, 1944-1945. The locomotive was based on the ‘Stanier’ 2-6-4T, designed by Fairburn’s predecessor Sir William Stanier, which itself was derived from the earlier ‘Fowler’ 2-6-4T engine – designed by Henry Fowler. Construction began at Derby in 1945 and by the time building ceased in 1951, 236 locomotives had been built for use on the London Midland region. A further 41 examples were constructed at Brighton Works for use on the non-electrified lines of the British Railways Southern Region. The Fairburn Tank would go on to form the basis of the BR Standard 4MT tank, which too utilised the 2-6-4 wheel configuration.  

The Fairburn Tanks were ideal for powering secondary, stopping and suburban passenger services and were popular with crews and enthusiasts alike. In British Railways service, the tanks were spread far and wide with examples working on suburban services around London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester. Classified 4P by the LMS, BR assigned them to mixed traffic duties at 4MTs.

The introduction of diesels, diesel multiple units and the widespread closure of lines saw the first withdrawals in 1961, although the last examples remained in traffic until 1967, the penultimate year of steam operation by British Railways. Two locomotives, Nos. 42073 and 42085, survive in preservation on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway in Cumbria.

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 LMS Fairburn Tank 2245 model in LMS Black livery is part of the 2019 range. The model is OO scale and represents a London, Midland & Scottish Railway 4MT 2-6-4T locomotive, built between 1945 and 1951. A total of 277 of these locomotives were produced, with the model specifically representing number 2245.

The model features a range of details, including fine metal handrails, sprung buffers, and separately fitted lamp irons. The turned brass safety valves sit atop the firebox, and the diecast frames at the front end accurately replicate the abundance of rivets found on the prototype. The model is DCC ready with an 8 pin socket, and is recommended to be used with a decoder.

The Fairburn Tank was designed by Charles E. Fairburn and was based on the 'Stanier' 2-6-4T locomotive. The locomotives were used on secondary, stopping and suburban passenger services, and were popular with crews and enthusiasts. In British Railways service, the tanks were used on various lines, including around London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Manchester. The first withdrawals from service began in 1961, although some examples remained in use until 1967.

The model is part of the Era 3 range and comes with a number of features, including NEM coupling pockets, a powerful 3 pole motor, and a decoder socket. The model measures 190mm in length and is suitable for use on first radius curves of 371mm or greater.