The newly tooled range of O Gauge GWR Class 55xx 'Small Prairie' 2-6-2T Steam Locomotives have now arrived into stock - from Lionheart Trains by Dapol!
This all new range tells the full story of these classic Great Western tank engines, with 9 variations available to order now in a range of GWR green, BR green and BR black liveries. Demand is high for these models and they have been produced in limited quantities so make sure to place your orders now to avoid disappointment.
Each model is available digital ready or pre-fitted with digital sound. There are also a range of unnumbered variations available to order should you wish to customise your locomotive to your own requirements.
In STock Now
Product Features
3-Link Couplings
Die cast metal chassis and cylinders with working vacuum pump
Die cast wheels with steel tyres
Brake shoes in ABS plastic
Two styles of sand boxes in ABS
5 pole skew wound precision motor
Sprung driving wheel and pony trucks, live bearing pick-ups
Front and rear pony wheel trucks to operate on a cam system to allow the model to traverse R2 (40.5”radius) curves
Die cast pivoted coupling and connecting rods.
Two versions of smokebox door (one with fixings for B.R. number plate)
Easily removeable cab roof (for adding a crew) by means of small magnets
Chimney, short and tall safety valve casings and whistles (brass)
Working cab doors in metal
Wire handrails with stanchions in metal
Full back head detail with reversing lever in ABS
Coal load in bunker
Flickering firebox glow
Prototype Information
They were designed as small mixed traffic branch locomotives, mainly used on branch lines. They were a development of Churchward's 4500 Class with larger side tanks and increased water capacity.100 were built between 1927–1929 at the GWR Swindon Works and were numbered 4575-4599 and 5500-5574. Fifteen locomotives were fitted with auto apparatus in 1953 to enable them to run push-pull trains on South Wales lines with auto trailers.
They are often referred to as Small Prairie Class tank locomotives. A total of Eleven members of the class have made it into preservation.