Bachmann Branchline 31-609A Class V3 2-6-2 67669 tank loco with hopper bunker & Westinghouse pump in BR lined black

In 1930, H N Gresely produced his 3-cylinder 2-6-2 tank locomotive of-áClass VI.-áThe cylinders drove-áthe second coupled axle with the eight inch diameter piston valves, driving two-ásets of Walschaerts valve gear incorporating Gresley's conjugated gear for the inside valve. Between 1932 and-á1939, ninety-two engines were built, the last ten-áof which had boilers pressured at 200 p.s.i. designated them-áClass V3. Many of the earlier V1 engines were later fitted-áwith boilers having higher pressure. The main visual differences were to be seen in the coal bunker. The original rails were filled in with sheet metal, but due to the restrictions to the rearward view, from 1938, the hopper type bunker was introduced. early engines had the 'Knuckle' steam pipes. Twelve engines, sent to the GE Section, were given the Westinghouse air brake. Only one locomotive of the LNER Donaster Green livery, No. 7684, a Gateshead engine. Apart from the War years, in early BR days they received plain black livery which was later fully lined out.