The GWR 49XX Hall Class was one of the Great Western Railway’s (GWR) most successful mixed traffic steam locomotives, making it a fitting subject for this Bachmann Branchline OO Scale model. A high level of detail is exhibited throughout the Branchline model, starting with the metal running plate onto which separate components like the steam pipes, splashers and metal lamp brackets are fitted. The boiler, firebox and cab are all high fidelity plastic mouldings, sporting separate metal handrails and handrail knobs, whilst an authentic copper cap is fitted to the chimney. Inside the cab, separate glazing is employed and the detailed boiler backhead is finished with appropriate decoration to the various controls, pipes and gauges.
Below the running plate and the 4-6-0 wheel formation is reproduced authentically, with metal valve gear and separate metal sandpipes along with sandboxes – brake rigging is included too. Powered by a 3 pole motor, electrical pickup comes from all six driving wheels and the locomotive to tender drawbar is adjustable to suit different running conditions. Talking of the tender and the Collett version modelled is a detailed rendition of the prototype, with handrails, brake handle, water scoop and operating handle all added separately, and again brake rigging is included. Sprung buffers can be found on both the locomotive and tender.
The lined livery is applied to the model in all its glory to an exceptional standard, utilising authentic colours, typefaces and logos to really bring this Hall Class locomotive to life. Nameplates and numberplates are printed on the model, with etched versions of each supplied with every model for optional fitment.
MODEL FEATURES:
- Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
- Era 4
- Locomotive is Preserved
- Pristine BR Lined Black (Early Emblem) livery
- Running No. 4953
- Named ‘Pitchford Hall’
- Etched Nameplates and Numberplates included
- Collett Tender
- Adjustable Tender Drawbar
- Powerful 3 Pole Motor
- NEM Coupling Pockets
- Sprung Buffers
- Accessory Pack
- Equipped with a 8 Pin Decoder Socket – recommended Decoder item No.36-566A
- Length 264mm
49XX HALL CLASS HISTORY
The Great Western Railway (GWR) 49XX ‘Hall’ Class locomotives were designed by Charles B. Collett for mixed traffic use. A prototype locomotive was produced in 1924 when Collett modified No. 2925 ‘Saint Martin’ of the Churchward ‘Saint’ Class by fitting smaller driving wheels, realigning the cylinders and fitting a ‘Castle’-style cab. Extensive trials ensued and small modifications were made before orders were placed for the first production series of ‘Hall’ Class locomotives in 1928. The first engine soon emerged, and the class received names of country houses in England and Wales with ‘Hall’ in their titles, so becoming the ‘Hall’ Class.
By all accounts the ‘Halls’ were very successful mixed traffic locomotives, 258 were built and the later-built Stanier 5MT ‘Black Five’ and Thompson B1 – built by the GWR’s competitors the LMS and LNER respectively and both of which were more numerous still – each followed some of the principles employed in the earlier ‘Hall’ Class design.
When the GWR required further mixed traffic locomotives, Collett’s successor Frederick W. Hawksworth modernised the design producing the ‘Modified Hall’ Class and a further 71 locomotives were built between the GWR and BR, with construction continuing until 1950. BR gave both types locomotive the power classification 5MT, the same as their previously-mentioned LMS and LNER counterparts.
One 49XX ‘Hall’ Class locomotive was withdrawn prior to Nationalisation, however the rest of the class remained in traffic until 1959 when withdrawals commenced, and all had gone by the end of 1965. Thankfully, eleven locomotives were saved for preservation, although one example has subsequently been rebuilt into GWR ‘Saint’ Class No. 2999 ‘Lady of Legend’.
