Bachmann 35-163ZW

Custom Weathered LNWR Improved Precedent Class 'Talavera' LMS Black 2-4-0 Steam Locomotive No.5018

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

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

Manufacturer description

Exclusive Model

LNWR Improved Precedent Class 'Talavera' LMS Black 2-4-0 Steam Locomotive No.5018

The Model

The OO Scale model has been developed for Locomotion Models and Rails of Sheffield by Bachmann Europe Plc.

The model incorporates a die-cast body and chassis with a set of optional traction tyre-fitted driving wheels for increased haulage capacity – (crankpin tools and spare traction tyres will be available via Bachmann Stockists).

The model features a coreless motor, with power pick up from both the locomotive and tender wheels. Mounted inside the tender is a 21 Pin DCC decoder socket and a 11mm x 15mm ‘sugar cube’ speaker.

All versions feature a fully detailed back-head whilst there are numerous tooling options enabling the accurate portrayal of specific locomotives during the chosen time period. Two boiler types are modelled, either with or without wash-out plugs, and both cowled Ramsbottom Safety Valves and Ross Pop Safety Valves have been catered for.

There is a representation of the inside motion whilst the front driving wheels can be modelled with either leaf or coil springing as the prototype dictates. Options are also available for plain or fluted coupling rods. Two whistle variants can be seen covering a single whistle on the roof, or two whistles on locos where alarm gear is fitted. A working fall plate between loco and tender is provided whilst the locomotive can have either Webb or Cook style buffers and two types of lamp bracket are modelled – LNWR lamp sockets or the LMS style lamp irons.

Prototype Information

Technological improvements prompted the LNWR‘s CME F. W. Webb to replace 96 of the 6’6” Curved Link ‘Newtons’ and 62 of the 6’6” Straight Link ‘Precedents’ with locomotives featuring thicker frames and 150 PSI boilers. These emerged between 1887 and 1901 and became known as ‘Improved Precedents’. Though new, an accountancy contrivance meant they were considered ‘renewals’ and kept the names and numbers of the locomotives they replaced.

Gaining the nickname ‘Jumbos’ or ’Big/Large Jumbos’ because of their performance, withdrawals of the ‘Improved Precedents’ started in 1905 with the London, Midland and Scottish Railway inheriting 76 at the 1923 grouping. The last was withdrawn in 1934.

No. 790 ‘Hardwicke’ was the only example to be preserved in 1931, having become famous during the ‘Races to the North’ in 1895. It ran between Crewe and Carlisle at an average of 67¼ MPH, a record which stood for 40 years thus assuring ‘Hardwicke’ a place in British railway history. Another member of the Class No. 955 ‘Charles Dickens’ clocked up over 2 million miles, another record for a steam locomotive that has never been beaten.

Please note: Images shown are from a livery sample.

As you will find with every pre-production sample, the purpose of EP and livery samples are to flush out any errors or issues with the model before it goes into full production. Several minor points have been identified so far and necessary changed will be implemented.

Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

Bachmann Custom Weathered LNWR Improved Precedent Class ‘Talavera’ LMS Black 2‑4‑0 Steam Locomotive No 5018 is offered as a limited‑edition model in the Rails of Sheffield range (product URL: https://railsofsheffield.com/products/custom-weathered-lnwr-improved-precedent-class-talavera-lms-black-2-4-0-steam-locomotive-no-5018). The model carries the manufacturer part number 35‑163ZW, is finished in a weathered livery and is equipped for DCC 21 operation. It represents the period of the Big Four railway companies (LNER, LMS, GWR and SR).

The OO‑scale model is built with a die‑cast body and chassis and includes an optional set of traction‑tyre fitted driving wheels for higher haulage capacity; crankpin tools and spare tyres are available via Bachmann stockists. Power is supplied by a coreless motor with pick‑up from both locomotive and tender wheels. Inside the tender a 21‑pin DCC decoder socket and a 11 mm × 15 mm “sugar‑cube” speaker are fitted. All versions feature a fully detailed back‑head, interchangeable boiler options with or without wash‑out plugs, and either cowled Ramsbottom or Ross‑Pop safety valves. The model shows inside motion, with front driving wheels configurable for leaf or coil springing, and offers plain or fluted coupling rods. Two whistle configurations are provided (single roof whistle or dual whistles for locomotives fitted with alarm gear), a working fall plate between locomotive and tender, and choices of Webb or Cook‑style buffers and either LNWR lamp sockets or LMS‑style lamp irons.

The prototype was the LNWR Improved Precedent Class, introduced between 1887 and 1901 under CME F. W. Webb as a replacement for earlier “Newton” and “Precedent” types. These locomotives featured thicker frames and 150 psi boilers and were nicknamed “Jumbos”. Withdrawals began in 1905; at the 1923 grouping the London, Midland and Scottish Railway inherited 76 examples, with the final member withdrawn in 1934. Notable members included No 790 “Hardwicke”, preserved in 1931 after achieving an average speed of 67 ¼ mph on the Crewe‑Carlisle route in 1895, and No 955 “Charles Dickens”, which accumulated over two million miles in service.

Images shown are taken from a livery sample; as with all pre‑production samples, they are used to identify and correct minor issues before full production commences.