Bachmann 32-085 BR 6639 ex-GWR 56xx Class 0-6-2T BR Black Early Emblem OO

£97.70
MRP £114.95

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(Product Ref 56347)
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These powerful tank engines were a development of the pre-grouping Taff Vale and Rhymney Railways' locomotives, designed specially for hauling empty wagons up the valleys to the pits and controlling loaded trains on the way down to the South Wales ports. The 56xx proved so useful 200 were built and allocated all across the GWR network, a powerful and capable goods tank engine also able to haul local passenger trains when needed.

First introduced in 1924 as Collett's design for the welsh valleys, the 56xx class was later classified 5MT in BR days. Powerful and sturdy they were mainly to be found in Wales and the West although these engines might be seen almost anywhere in the GWR area.

6639 was completed at Swindon in September 1928, joining the fleet of these locomotives based at Newport Ebbw Junction shed. Before nationalisation 6639 had moved east to Severn Tunnel Junction, where the powerful 56 class tank engines were often used to assist heavy trains through the tunnel to Patchway (Bristol). Although still at Severn Tunnel in 1950 6639 was withdrawn in October 1963 from Leamington Spa shed where 56xx engines were used on banking duties and a variety of local trip freights serving the engineering and motor vehicle factories in the area.

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