TIM SHACKLETON gives the Bachmann 'OO' gauge ‘64XX’ 0-6-0PT a convincing oily rag finish that recaptures childhood memories.
BACHMANN'S MODEL of the motor-fitted GWR ‘64XX’ 0-6-0PT fully lives up to expectations. Only the splashers – which are bang on for the larger wheeled ‘54XX’ but a bit generous for a ‘64’ – are open to question on what is otherwise a splendid little engine. Whatever your persuasions, whatever your views on matters Great Western, it’s all but irresistible, especially in the lined green livery which, don’t you feel, always looks better when slightly scruffed up.
I didn’t see many of these engines in BR days, but I can remember 6418 clearly. I was 12 at the time and my dad had business in Wolverhampton, so he took me with him on the train from Huddersfield, travelling First Class – a novelty for me, though it was a complicated journey via Stalybridge, Stockport and Crewe.
Above: From what I can gather, cleaning a locomotive with an oily rag didn’t really involve cleaning it at all! Instead, the dirt was left in situ and wiped over with a greasy concoction that generally involved paraffin, lubricating oil and silicon wax – the exact formulation was down to individual preferences at depot level. …
