Bachmann 31-637

Tooling

Introduction & Historical Context

The Bachmann GWR Class 64xx 0-6-0PT was introduced in 2015 as a completely new tooling, designed to accurately represent the Collett-designed 64xx class of pannier tanks. These locomotives were built between 1932 and 1937 at Swindon Works, specifically for push-pull (auto-train) passenger services on GWR branch lines. A total of 40 were produced, and three survive in preservation today. The 64xx class was distinct from the more numerous 57xx and 8750 classes, with differences in dimensions, cab design, and operational equipment.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO Gauge (1:76)
• Construction: Combination of plastic and metal chassis
• Detailing: Factory-fitted separate parts including handrails, lamp irons, pipework, safety valves, smokebox door dart, whistle and guard
• Cab: Fully detailed and painted interior with short and tall cab variants
• Couplings: NEM pockets with tension lock couplings; cosmetic screwlink couplings included
• Underframe: Brake rigging, sanding gear, footsteps, and chemically-blackened wheels

Mechanical & Electrical Features

• Motor: Coreless motor located in the locomotive
• Drive: Loco-driven wheels
• Minimum Radius: Designed to run on Radius 2 curves
• Weighting: Integrated within chassis for improved adhesion
• Lighting: No lighting fitted
• Pickups: All wheels
• Power Collection: 2-rail DC

DCC Capability

• DCC Ready: 6-pin socket
• Speaker Provision: None

Liveries Produced

• GWR Green (1835–1947)
• BR Plain Black (1948–1980)
• BR Green with Early Emblem (1948–1957)
• BR Black with Early Emblem (1949–1957)
• BR Green with Late Crest (1957–1972)

Reviews & Commentary

The model was well received upon release, with Hornby Magazine and Key Model World praising its accuracy and detailing. Reviewers noted that the tooling was entirely new and not a rehash of previous pannier tank models. The cab detailing, separately fitted parts, and smooth running performance were highlighted as standout features. Videos and reviews showcased the model running on test tracks, particularly the BR-liveried 6417.

• Sam’s Trains Review – Compares older and newer releases, highlighting build quality and value
• Moorway South Review – Covers DCC fitting, running performance, and close-up detailing
• Hornby Magazine Test Track – Features BR-liveried 6417 in realistic layout operation
• Frontington and Backwoods Railway – Showcases the 64xx in a GWR branch line setting with autocoach
• SDJR7F88 Running Session – Demonstrates BR Early Black version with sound and layout integration

Social media and forums note its appeal to GWR and BR modellers, especially those recreating branch line and auto-train operations. The model is often praised for its suitability on compact layouts and its smooth, quiet running.

Interesting Notes

• The tooling reflects the earlier body style (6400–6429) with curved cabside-bunker joins and overhanging cab roof lips.
• Designed to represent auto-fitted locomotives with screw reverse and ATC equipment.
• Footplate-mounted lubricators and front tank support variations are accurately depicted.

Class & Prototype

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

British Railways transformed Britain's fragmented rail network into a unified national system following nationalisation on 1st January 1948. Created from the "Big Four" companies under the Transport Act 1947, BR operated most of Great Britain's railways until rebranding as British Rail in 1965, managing over 20,000 route miles and inheriting nearly 20,000 locomotives of diverse designs.

The organisation pioneered standardisation through its revolutionary BR Standard locomotive programme (1951-1960), producing 999 advanced steam engines under Robert Riddles' direction. These included the versatile Britannia Pacifics, mighty 9F freight engines, and mixed-traffic classes that incorporated the best features from all predecessor companies. The 1955 Modernisation Plan accelerated diesel and electric traction development, creating fascinating mixed-traction operations.

Notable achievements included establishing unified locomotive classification systems, introducing distinctive corporate liveries, and managing the complex transition from steam to modern traction. BR's six regional structure preserved operational diversity whilst enabling standardisation of practices, signalling, and rolling stock that had eluded private enterprise for over a century.

The BR era represents steam traction's final flowering alongside emerging diesel technology, creating unparalleled locomotive variety. Today, this heritage remains highly popular with railway enthusiasts through extensive preserved fleets, heritage railway operations, and comprehensive model ranges from manufacturers like Hornby, Bachmann, and Dapol, making BR subjects essential for authentic post-war British railway modelling across all scales.

British Railways' lined green livery continued for express passenger locomotives from 1956, painted in BS224 Deep Bronze Green (also known as Land Rover Deep Bronze Green) with orange and black lining, maintaining the prestigious finish for the railway's premier motive power. The livery was reserved for the most powerful express passenger classes, including Britannias, Castles, Kings, A4s, Merchant Navy Pacifics, and other premier locomotives rated for top-link express duties. From 1954 onwards, green became more widely adopted across the locomotive fleet, with some mixed-traffic engines also receiving the prestigious finish as regional freedom in livery matters increased following the 1953 Transport Act.

From mid-1956, these locomotives received the new "Lion and Crown" emblem (nicknamed the "Ferret and Dartboard"), a proper heraldic device registered with the College of Arms featuring a rampant lion emerging from a crown and holding a spoked wheel, all enclosed in a roundel with "British Railways" on bars either side. The emblem was positioned centrally on tender sides, with the heraldically correct lion facing left, though some locomotives initially received forward-facing applications during the transition period. Lettering and numbering remained in golden yellow Gill Sans Medium, maintaining the high-quality finish appropriate for express passenger duties. Regional variations in the shade of green occurred depending on which works applied the paint, the suppliers used, and the number of paint layers applied, creating subtle differences between locomotive classes and individual engines. This livery represented the final flowering of BR's steam-era corporate identity, combining technical excellence with heraldic dignity during the twilight years of express steam operations before the Rail Blue revolution of the mid-1960s.