These 2251 class engines were built from the 1930s as replacements for the aging Dean and earlier era 0-6-0 general goods engines used on local and mainline stopping or pick-up goods trains and often were the largest engines used over routes where heavier engines were prohibited. The type proved versatile and popular with engine crews, firemen no doubt appreciating the new, modern design and free-steaming boilers. The GWRs standardisation concept Collett locomotives had a 'family' appearance and the small goods engines were nicknamed 'Baby Castles' from their design styling similarity to the larger express engines.
Bachmanns' model has been upgraded in recent years with a range of tenders now available, this model having a Collett tender. and the chassis has now been updated to incorporate a DCC decoder socket.