Bachmann OO 32-217A LT L92 ex-GWR 57xx Class 0-6-0 Pannier Tank London Transport Maroon
This model represents an unusual era in British railway history. Seeking replacements for their small fleet of steam locomotives required for engineering trains London Transport settled on the GWR 57xx pannier tanks as ideal replacements. Several of the locomotives were sold directly to preservation societies when withdrawn.
The Bachmann model features a smooth running mechanism, offering good slow-running, ideal for shunting, plus a realistic top speed for moving goods trains on the mainline. The body is nicely detailed, representing the early design of the 57xx locos, finished in this case in London Transport maroon livery.
DCC Ready. 8-pin decoder required for DCC operation.
While the passenger trains on London Transports' rail network were mostly worked by electric traction by the mid-1950s LT maintained a small fleet of steam locomotives for engineering service, as something was required when the electric power was turned off. The engines inherited from the Metropolitan Railway in the 1930s were becoming worn out and replacements were required. The standard British Railways class 08 shunter was an obvious choice, however LT requirements were rather different to British Railways.
The locomotive also had to fit through the more restrictive Metropolitan Railway loading gauge to work into the tunnel sections and shunting was not the only duty the new locomotives would be needed to perform. The 20mph top speed of the diesel shunters would have prohibited their use on daytime trip workings, so more modern steam locomotives being withdrawn from British Railways service were considered. After trials the former GWR 57xx class 0-6-0 pannier tanks were selected, being suitable for all the duties LT wanted the engines to perform including being able to move fast enough to keep out of the way of the electric passenger trains. The large class steadily being withdrawn for scrap also ensured spares would be in good supply for several years and purchase from British Railways included full overhauls and modification.
Only the original 57xx type engines were selected as the later more rounded Collett cab would not fit in the LT tunnel loading gauge. The older cab design required just the relocation of the cab roof rainstrips to conform, while other modifications included the addition of LT train control tripcocks.
London Transport formed a fleet of eleven locomotives, though 2 numbers were used twice as the original L90 and L91 required repairs which were more simply effected by overhauling a replacement locomotive. Withdrawals started in 1967, with the locomotives in the poorest condition being scrapped. 6 of the remaining locomotives were purchased by preservation societies, including the last 3 still in service in 1971. The fully operational locomotives were often put into service by their new owners straight away including 5775, purchased by the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway in January 1970 and featuring in the Railway Children film shot on the line that year.
L92, formerly GWR and BR 5786, was purchased in working order by the Worcester Locomotive Society, steaming on the Severn Valley Railway in May 1970 to run over British Rail tracks to Tyseley shed for a festival of transport. The Worcester society was based at the Bulmers site in Hereford and when the site closed 5786 moved to the South Devon Railway where it is still in regular service.