Rapido Trains have announced new OO gauge models of the GWR Small Prairie classes are under development. The design work is covering all of the Small Prairie’ family, including 44xx 45xx and 4575 classes.
Design work is already under way with the intent include key changes made to the engines throughout their lives as well as myriad smaller detail differences between batches. The models will feature a Next18 decoder socket, factory-fitted sound speaker and firebox flicker. As design work is still on-going, liveries and prices are to be confirmed.
Following number 4574 when the next batch of the 45xx class 'small prairie' engines were ordered the opportunity was taken to increase the water capacity of the engines' side tanks by raising the height of the tanks at the rear. Similar to the 'large prairie' and 2-8-0 tank classes the tanks sloped downwards towards the front to avoid obstructing forward visibility. These engines are generally known as the 4575 class and a further 100 locomotives, 4575-5574, were built in 4 batches between 1927 and 1929. While a number of detail changes were made to these engines over their lives the 45xx design was well established by 1927 so the batches seem to be quite consistent. The engines were withdrawn between 1956 and 1964 and 11 have been preserved, many heritage railways finding them to be powerful and economical locomotives.