Bachmann Class B1 BRc 31-713
Edward Thompson designed the B1 as a mixed traffic locomotive and building started in 1942. Construction of the class went on for a number of years, ending with a final batch in 1950. Some of the work was contracted out to the Vulcan Foundry and the North British Locomotive Co. The rest were built at Darlington, except for 10 at Gorton. The last was withdrawn in 1967 and two have been preserved.
The B1 is similar in many ways to Gresley's B17 'Sandringham' Class but with slightly smaller wheels, two cylinders and a higher pressure boiler. 410 were built, making it the largest class of LNER designed locos. They were used throughout the LNER network and had good route availability. In BR days they were also found on the LMR. Some used in Scotland were fitted with tablet-catchers on their tenders.
Fifty-nine of the class received names - consisting of types of Antelope and directors of the LNER. The models have split-chassis and are not fitted with a DCC decoder socket. The current model is 61003 Gazelle in BR lined black livery with late decals on the tender.