Mainline 37085

Tooling

Originally developed by Mainline Railways in 1985, this tooling represented the iconic GWR 57xx, 67xx, and 8750 Pannier Tank locomotives. Following Mainline’s closure, the tooling passed to Replica Railways, and was later acquired by Bachmann, who began releasing models under their Branchline range from 1991. These models filled a gap in the market for reliable, affordable representations of the ubiquitous GWR pannier tanks, widely used across the UK rail network.

Tooling Features

• Scale: OO Gauge (1:76)
• Construction: Injection-moulded plastic body with separately fitted details
• Detailing: Basic cab interior, moulded handrails (some later models upgraded to metal), rivet and panel detailing
• Couplings: Tension-lock couplings in non-NEM pockets
• Variants Covered: 57xx, 67xx (no ATC or vacuum brakes), and 8750 (larger cab)

Mechanical & Electrical

• Motor: 3-pole motor mounted in a split chassis
• Drive: All-wheel drive via central gear tower
• Minimum Radius: Suitable for 2nd radius curves (438mm) and above
• Weighting: Moderate, with metal chassis block aiding traction
• Lighting: No factory lighting
• Electrical Pickup: All wheels, but prone to contact issues over time due to split chassis design

DCC Capability

• DCC Ready: Not socketed; requires hardwiring for decoder installation
• Challenges: Split chassis makes DCC conversion complex
• Recommendation: Best suited for experienced modellers if DCC fitting is desired

Liveries Produced

Models using this tooling were released in a wide variety of liveries:

• GWR Green (plain and shirtbutton)
• BR Black (plain, early emblem, late crest)
• London Transport Maroon
• National Coal Board Green
• Private Owner & Freelance Schemes

Reviews & Commentary

• Performance: Generally reliable runners, though split chassis models are known for gear cracking and axle splitting over time
• Detailing: Considered good for its era, but surpassed by later Bachmann tooling (2005 onwards)
• Community Sentiment: Praised for affordability and nostalgic value; criticised for mechanical fragility and lack of DCC readiness

Train Sets

Two notable sets used this tooling:

• 30-200: London Transport Freight Set with L91
• 30-201: London Transport Freight Set with L99

Each included:

• One 57xx loco in LT maroon
• Three wagons
• Track and analogue controller

Interesting Notes

• One of the few toolings to represent multiple subclasses (57xx, 67xx, 8750) with minor body variations
• Many models remain in use on layouts today, especially in preserved or heritage liveries
• Eventually retired in favour of Bachmann’s new 2005 tooling with modern features

Class & Prototype

The GWR 5700 Class was Britain's most prolific pannier tank locomotive, with 863 examples built between 1929 and 1950. Designed by Charles Collett as standard replacements for ageing Victorian tank engines, these versatile 0-6-0 locomotives featured revolutionary pannier tanks that enabled efficient Belpaire firebox adoption whilst providing superior maintenance access.

Operating across 90% of the GWR network, they handled everything from coal trains to passenger services, with thirteen examples serving London Transport until 1971. Built by seven manufacturers including North British, Swindon Works, and various contractors, the class demonstrated exceptional standardisation despite diverse construction sources.

Sixteen locomotives survive in preservation across heritage railways, whilst modern models from Accurascale, Bachmann, and others capture their distinctive character with unprecedented detail accuracy. The class epitomised GWR engineering excellence and became the template for all subsequent British pannier tank development.

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.