Dapol B set loco

Big bad John · February 05, 2021, 03:20:37 AM

I have a dapol b set GWR that I want to run on my layout along with some other train's already set up. I now only have a choice of thee loco's to run with the b set. A 64xx pannier a57xx pannier and a hall class. Which would be the most appropriate one to use?

railsquid · February 05, 2021, 03:58:34 AM

Certainly the 64xx pannier. See e.g.: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GWR_6400_Class

Big bad John · February 05, 2021, 04:49:01 AM

Cheers for that it's sort of what I was hoping for so now the 57xx and hall can be used for short and medium freight trains 10 to 15 vans Plank's etc.I already have a 38xx for the large freight trains and a castle for the longer passenger trains. I just wanted to fit a b set and another freight into the automated running schedule.

Chris Morris · February 05, 2021, 05:57:58 AM

The 57xx would also be fine hauling the B set but it would be very unusual to see a Hall with a B set. The B sets were basically branch sets although I'm sure they would have been seen on mainline local services.

Capri_sam · February 05, 2021, 08:51:27 AM

It wasn't entirely unusual for larger locos fresh out of overhaul to be run in on a B-set. Not that common, but not unheard of!

martyn · February 05, 2021, 08:56:09 AM

@Capri_sam

Yes, somewhere I've see a photo of a 'King' fresh out of shops hauling 2 x 'B' sets.

Martyn

Chris Morris · February 05, 2021, 12:11:02 PM

Yes - large tender locos were often given a local service for testing after major overhaul. I'm pretty sure this would only be on mainline stopping trains in the Swindon area. The ideal loco for a B set is the 45xx. The old Dapol model looks brilliant but can be tricky to control due to stupid gearing. I'm sure I have heard murmurings of a revised version 45xx being somewhere in planning. Based on where Dapol are now I reckon that would be an excellent loco.

tunneroner61 · February 05, 2021, 12:59:51 PM

In the Adrian Vaughan Signalmans trilogy there are several references to a regular running in turn for overhauled locos on a stopper between Swindon and Didcot.

Chris Morris · February 05, 2021, 03:10:37 PM

Quote from: tunneroner61 on February 05, 2021, 12:59:51 PM
In the Adrian Vaughan Signalmans trilogy there are several references to a regular running in turn for overhauled locos on a stopper between Swindon and Didcot.

Yes, I have a book with a photo of an immaculate 47xx pulling such a stopping train. It wouldn't have broken seat on that duty!

I wonder how often they had to go out and drag on back to the works? It must have happened.

Big bad John · February 05, 2021, 03:38:39 PM

Cheers for all the input. I do have a 45xx but it's in BR black livery so won't fit in with the era. I may have a go at repainting it or flog it.

Chris Morris · February 05, 2021, 03:42:13 PM

Quote from: Big bad John on February 05, 2021, 03:38:39 PM
Cheers for all the input. I do have a 45xx but it's in BR black livery so won't fit in with the era. I may have a go at repainting it or flog it.

You might be able to get a GWR body or cat 4 loco from DCC supplies at a reasonable price and use your existing chassis

Big bad John · February 05, 2021, 04:16:47 PM

Quote from: Chris Morris on February 05, 2021, 03:42:13 PM
Quote from: Big bad John on February 05, 2021, 03:38:39 PM
Cheers for all the input. I do have a 45xx but it's in BR black livery so won't fit in with the era. I may have a go at repainting it or flog it.

You might be able to get a GWR body or cat 4 loco from DCC supplies at a reasonable price and use your existing chassis

I looked into that Chris but they sell it as three parts, the body cab and boiler but the boiler is out of stock. I fancy having a go at repainting when I can find time.