Bachmann OO 32-131 GWR 4539 45XX Class 2-6-2 Small Prairie Tank Green Lettered Great Western
Bachmann OO GWR 4539 45XX Class 2-6-2 Small Prairie Tank Green Lettered Great Western 32-131
Bachmann 32-131 8 Pin DCC Ready model of GWR small prairie 2-6-2 tank locomotive 4539 painted in the GWR green livery and lettered Great Western, as applied to these engines from new and carried until the 1930s. The GWR 45xx class were a highly successful design, ideal for branchline and local passenger services, becoming one of the GWRs standard locomotive types, with 175 built (including the later Collett engines). Classified in power class 3 under BR ownership a '45' could easily handle additional traffic like milk tanks and horseboxes along with the regular branch trains. The power and ecconomy of these engines is appreciated today by heritage railways.
4539 was one of the original Churchward design locomotives with lower, flat-topped water tanks. Detailing of the model has been taken from a preserved member of the class with many separately fitted parts. The running of these Bachmann models is excellent, with good slow-speed capabilities for realistic shunting.
DCC Ready. 8 pin decoder required.
First introduced by the GWR in 1906, designed by Churchward for light branch use and developed from the 4400 class with larger wheels - 4' 7 1/2" diameter. Seen all over the GWR/BR system.
4539 was completed in May 1913, being sent new to Ludlow. By the end of 1947 the locomotive was working from Bristol Bath Road shed where it appears 4539 remained until withdrawn from service in October 1955.