GWR Pannier Tanks: 54/64/7400 Options

Today we're taking a look at the 54xx, 64xx and 74xx classes and the options that will be available with these engines.

First up is the 54xx in it's original form, numbers 5400 to 5419 built in 1930. All 54xx and 64xx were fitted with auto-gear to work with auto-coaches and these engines will all be compatible with the GWR coaches from the GWR Class 14XX Loco Add-On as well as the BR autocoaches included with this new panniers pack.

The 54xx fleet was expanded with 5 more engines, numbers 5420-5424 in 1935 and in the next 10 years modifications were made to add a whistle shield and bunker steps in the late 30's and between 1943-46 half of the class were fitted with an improved top feed water injector system. Each of these parts can be activated and de-activated to represent the 54xx at any stage of its life.

The 64xx class was built in 1932, starting with numbers 6400-6409 and rapidly expanded with numbers 6410-6429 by 1935. Running a smaller wheel diameter than the 54xx (4' 7½" instead of 5' 2") it shared the same cab design as the larger wheeled predecessor.

In 1937 the 64xx class was expanded again with numbers 6430-6439, this time with a square corner on the rear of the cab and a roof without overhangs. The whistle shields and bunker steps of the 54xx design were added soon after.

From 1943 some members of the 64xx were also retrofitted with the new style of top feed.

The 74xx class was started in 1936 with numbers 7400-7429. Boasting a boiler pressure increase from 165 psi to 180 psi and using the square cab design of the later 64xx's, the 74xx class was not designed to be used with auto-coaches and so lacked the relevant equipment. Due to this they were also fitted with a lever reverser rather than a screw type (the lever being quicker for shunting duties but not as suitable for use when the driver and fireman had to work remotely from each other). As with the other types; shields, steps and top feeds were fitted at similar times.

All of these parts will be fully selectable so you can modify any of the variations to match any specific engine you choose as well as being set up with suitable numbers for each of the GWR eras so you can drop and play, as well as relevant quick drives using the included BR auto-coaches.
And speaking of auto-coaches.. come back next week and we'll see how those are coming along!