Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI images rather than photographs
Prototype Era
Era 5 (1956 to 1966) British Railways Late Crest
Early 14 Ton Tank Wagons with timber saddles, cradles and wire hawsers were built in response to the need for oil products to fuel Britain’s rapid development during the early-twentieth century, along with two world wars. As the hostilities of World War Two drew to a close, a new design of tank with a central anchor mechanism securing the tank to the chassis was agreed between the private operators, the Petroleum Board and the railway companies. Construction of this new wagon did not pick up pace until the early-1950s, and with the introduction of larger, vacuum braked tank wagons during the late-1950s, the Anchor-Mount design soon became obsolete, and the final wagons of this type were built in 1963. This model depicts a silver ‘Mobil’ branded example, built in 1949.
The Bachmann Branchline model covers both the Class A and Class B tanks and can be produced with several variations. As standard, each model features separately fitted brake gear and brake levers, along with the filler cap which includes the distinctive securing clamps. On the prototype the underframe was constructed from metal section, and this is replicated on the model affording an unobstructed view through the frames when observed from above.
MODEL FEATURES:
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Bachmann Branchline OO scale model of a British Railways late‑crest 20‑ton Anchor‑Mounted tank wagon, carrying the silver “Mobil” livery and running number 5349. The model is identified by manufacturer part number 38‑782 and represents a Class A tank wagon from the post‑World War Two period.
The original wagons were introduced in 1949 after a new design featuring a central anchor mechanism was agreed between private operators, the Petroleum Board and the railway companies. Built in small numbers until 1963, the design was superseded by larger vacuum‑braked tank wagons in the late 1950s. Early examples had timber saddles and wire hawsers, while the later anchor‑mounted version used metal underframes.
Key features of the model include separately fitted brake gear and levers, a filler cap with securing clamps, three‑hole disc wheels, NEM coupling pockets and a length of 105 mm. The underframe is reproduced in metal section, allowing an unobstructed view of the frames when viewed from above.