Bachmann BR Class 3MT 2-6-2T 31-977BR Standard 3MT BRb 82016.jpg (66969 bytes)

This was the Riddles larger mixed traffic 2-6-2T locomotive of 1952 which was designed and built at Swindon for light passenger work. It was a heavier version of the 2MT, with 10 tons extra weight and larger driving wheels. They were for routes having a 16 ton axle loading but, as these routes were upgraded, larger tank engines took over the work. Only 45 were built and these took the 82xxx number range. They were seen in Wales, the West Country, the northern Pennines and, in later years they were seen hauling empty stock at Clapham Junction.

Withdrawals started in 1964 and all had gone by the end of 1967. Sadly none was preserved, but the Severn Valley Railway has a new one under construction.

The model features an opening smoke box door (as shown in the photograph), highly detailed cab interior and different styles of lamp brackets and cab roofs, with small or large opening air vents. Models are correctly fitted with either fluted or plain coupling rods and Western Region locomotives feature the extra prototypical handrail on the top of the boiler. Southern Region models have extra lamp brackets for white discs. The model is fitted with an 8-pin DCC decoder socket.

The review model is of 82016 in BR lined black with early decals. This was a Southern Region example and was built in August 1952 and withdrawn from service in April 1965. Its first shed was Eastleigh and last shed Nine Elms.

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