Bachmann Branchline 32-212 Class 57xx 0-6-0 Pannier tank 5757 in BR black with late crest

One of the most celebrated and well-loved of all G.W. locomtove classes, the 5700 series of 0-6-0 pannier tanks was out-shopped over a period of some 21 years, in succesive lots incorporating detail developments and modifications until well into B.R. Times. The 5700's proved powerful machines for their modest size, equally at home shunting a single wagon or manoeuvring a long rake of coaches. they were designed to supercede hundreds of elderly tank engines of both pannier and saddle tank construction. The 5700's were fundamentally identical to the 2721 class 0-6-0 PT's substituting up-to-date features including higher pressure boilers. Belpaire fireboxes and fully enclosed cabs. Some 200 early 5700's were erected by a number of independent manufactures such was the urgency of the replacement programme whilst the remaining 600 or so emanated from Swindon works. The superb 5700's, with their distinctive Great Western exhaust 'bark' and twin whistles, abounded in all corners of the Company's widely dispersed empire until progressive displacement by diesels began in 1966. By late 1966 all had been forcibly retired, though several red liveried 5700's, sold to the London transport Executive in the mid-1950's, continued in service until 1971. Fortunately, a number have been saved for posperity on preserved lines throughout Britain.

This product belongs to the following era(s):

Era 5 BR steam Late Crest
Era 4 BR steam Early Crest