The 5101 class of large prairie locomotives, with 140 built between 1929 and 1949, were updated versions of G J Churchward's 3100 class and were designed for outer suburban service. The final batch being completed after nationalisation never received full GWR livery, being released from Swindon in GWR green but lettered BRITISH RAILWAYS in the GWR lettering style.
Fitted with the 5'8" driving wheels of the 43xx moguls the large prairies were capable of sustained fast running on mainlines and of running equally well in either direction, allowing for quicker turn-rounds at terminals. The 5101s and later 61xx locomotives were a popular alternative to the tender-equipped moguls needed for some busy branch lines lines, no need to use the turntable!
Seeking to further increase the power available for London suburban services Collett further adapted the 5101 class, fitting the 5101 chassis and engine with boilers built to work 225psi (vs 200psi for the standard 5101 and 43xx mogul), increasing peak tractive effort from 24,300lbs to 27,300lbs, these engines forming the 61xx class. Several major country routes and branches were to benefit from the higher powered 61xx engines in the British Railways period as DMUs took over London suburban duties. During December 1965 the last eleven locomotives were withdrawn all being from the 6100 batch.
Several 5101 class engines have been preserved, along with one official 61xx, however some 5101s carry 61xx boilers, including the WSRs 4160 and enginemen have found that, in comparison with the same locomotive set at 200psi, at the higher boiler pressure trains can be taken upgrade with less regulator opening, or an extra coach hauled without concern.
Dapol will be manufacturing these models from the early 1930s configuration when cab side shutters were added, allowing the crew to keep out more inclement weather.
General Specification
Many original GA drawings were used in the development of these accurate and authentic models.
The locomotive has a diecast chassis with a five pole motor driving the rear wheel. To add compensation the centre driving wheels are sprung, the front pony truck is also sprung and operates on a cam so the model will negotiate radius 2 curves with ease.
To portray these locomotives over their lifetime the following details will be available :
- Tall safety valve cover
- Short safety valve cover
- Bunker lamp bracket shield
- Smoke box top mounted lamp bracket
- Smoke box door mounted lamp bracket for B.R. period
- Smoke box number plate for B.R. period
Technical Specification
- A slide in PCB offers simple ‘tool-free’ installation of a NEXT-18 DCC decoder and a ’no-solder’ speaker connection. This board slides through the smoke box door and connects directly to the locomotive mother board.
- The locomotive has electrical pick-up on all driving wheels
- Sound fitted option available
- Firebox glow, synchronised with sound (factory fitted models only)
- Dapol’s proven slow speed mechanism and high torque motor
- Enhance your driving experience with our feature RealDrive (factory fitted models only)