Rails of Sheffield has uncovered a limited stock of the sought-after Rapido Trains UK Class 15xx Pannier Tank locomotives!
These models, which are mostly sold out everywhere else (including at Rapido themselves!), were a surprise warehouse find and won’t be around for long. Known for their exquisite detail and quality running characteristics, the Class 15xx Pannier Tanks are a must-have for any fan of the Western Region. Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to add these stunning models to your layout.
Order now from Rails of Sheffield before they’re gone for good!
In Stock Now
Product Features
Highly detailed model with separately fitted parts including handrails, lamp irons, chimney, safety valve, whistles, pipework, footsteps and much more
Digital & Sound capability - NEXT18-pin decoder socket inside body with factory fitted 15 x 11mm speaker
Working firebox glow effect
Powerful 5-pole motor with flywheel, all-wheel pickups and quality drive mechanism
Fully diecast chassis and partially diecast body
Fully detailed and painted cab interior
Sprung buffers
Optional accessory pack including tools for the rear
NEM tension lock couplings
Prototype Information
Although designed during the days of the Great Western Railway, the ten ’15XXs’ were actually built by the newly formed British Railways in 1949. The design was a major departure from the GWR’s tried and tested pannier tank formula.
Designed by Frederick Hawksworth and his team, the ’15XX’ featured a very short wheelbase for negotiating tight curves as well as outside cylinders and Walschaerts valve gear. It is said that the bottom end design resembled the USATC ‘S100’ 0-6-0T (better known as the Southern’s ‘USA’), which had been used on the GWR during the Second World War. Above the (non-existent) running board, the locomotives resembled Hawksworth’s ’94XX’ 0-6-0PT, which shared the same design of boiler.
The ’15XX’s’ short wheelbase precluded fast running and their weight severely restricted their sphere of operation. They were predominantly based at Old Oak Common shed for empty coaching stock workings in and out of London Paddington. However, a few of the class escaped to other locations including Southall, Didcot, Severn Tunnel Junction, Cardiff Canton and Newport. It was not unknown for the ’15XXs’ to be used on short passenger services or local freight workings.
Sadly, as with most post-war steam designs, their working lives were cut short thanks to rapid dieselisation. The first ’15XX’ was withdrawn after only ten years of service and the last were condemned at the end of 1963. Three were bought by the National Coal Board for further use at Coventry Colliery where they continued to work until 1969.
Happily, No. 1501 was bought from NCB by the embryonic Severn Valley Railway. It returned to steam in 1997 and has proven to be a popular and powerful member of the fleet, so much so that it’s earned the nickname ‘Raging Bull’.