Short-lived but impressively powerful, the GWR ‘15XX’ 0-6-0PT is the latest release for ‘OO’ gauge from Rapido Trains UK. MIKE WILD runs the rule over this compact tank engine.
Frederick Hawksworth’s ‘15XX’ 0-6-0PT was the last Great Western Railway designed steam locomotive to be introduced - and it packed a punch. These compact, short wheelbase Panniers were almost as powerful as a BR ‘4MT’ 2-6-0 and delivered a huge 22,515lbf tractive effort which gave them a ‘4F’ power classification.
Construction didn’t start until 1949 by which time the former Great Western Railway had become British Railways Western Region. However, it was still Swindon Works which completed the ten locomotives which featured distinctive outside cylinders and valve gear, the same No. 10 boiler design as the GWR ‘94XX’ 0-6-0PTs as well as the GWR pannier tank configuration.
Above: Rapido Trains is pleasing Western Region modellers with arrival of its fine GWR ‘15XX’ 0-6-0PT for ‘OO’ gauge.
Of the ten locomotives only one survives today at the Severn Valley Railway – 1501 – which has spent more than four times longer in preservation than it spent in BR service as it has been part of the SVR fleet for 53 years.
