More on Steam

Bachmann has produced an accurate OO gauge model of the B1 Class locomotive. The B1 was Thompson's first design for the London & North Eastern Railway (LNER). These 4-6-0 mixed traffic engines replaced a large variety of older designs. It was the LNER's equivalent to the highly successful GWR Hall Class and the LMS Stanier Black Five. They proved to be capable and versatile machines able to perform well on any type of train. Several examples were fitted with electric lighting.

B1 Class No. 1306 "Mayflower" later renumbered 61379

Introduced in 1942 the first locomotive no. 8301 was named "Springbok" in honour of a visit by Jan Smuts, the South African Prime Minister. The B1s became know as the 'Antelope' class as the first 40 were named after breeds of antelope and unofficially as 'Bongos' after no. 8306 'Bongo'. The remaining engines were un-named except for 18 that carried names of LNER directors and no. 61379 'Mayflower', named in 1951 (see photo). A total of 410 engines were built.

The class survived almost to the end of steam on BR after working extensively over BR's Eastern and Scottish Regions, with the last working example being withdrawn in September 1967. Two locomotives have been preserved.

Steam Train: 6024 King Edward I, Valentine's Cathedrals Express, 12 Feb ...

As a committed 'gricer' I have always had a passion for steam locomotives. I have a collection of OO gauge models proudly displayed in cabinets and a modest N gauge layout to run these smaller trains, to recall the great days of steam. It is a passion that it is still possible to follow at the various Heritage lines throughout the UK where steam locomotives have been restored and continue to run. Some of these Heritage lines have direct links to mainline tracks and excursions of some duration are often available for the enthusiast.

I have just added a Hornby model of the GWR locomotive 'King Edward 1' to my collection but there is nothing more nostalgic than seeing the original, restored engine hauling thirteen carriages on a mainline run. Take a look: