They were designed as small mixed traffic branch locomotives, mainly used on branch lines. They were a development of Churchward's 4500 Class with larger side tanks and increased water capacity.100 were built between 1927–1929 at the GWR Swindon Works and were numbered 4575-4599 and 5500-5574. Fifteen locomotives were fitted with auto apparatus in 1953 to enable them to run push-pull trains on South Wales lines with auto trailers.

They are often referred to as Small Prairie Class tank locomotives. A total of Eleven members of the class have made it into preservation.

MODEL
1:43 Scale model of a 5500 Class Steam Locomotive decorated in GWR livery. This model features lots of expertly applied details as based on the prototype, a high level of body detail and excellent running characteristics.

FEATURES

• 1:43 Scale Model
• Analogue DC Model
• 3-Link Couplings
• Pristine Finish
• Die cast metal chassis and cylinders with working vacuum pump
• Die cast wheels with steel tyres
• Brake shoes in ABS plastic
• Two styles of sand boxes in ABS
• 5 pole skew wound precision motor
• Sprung driving wheel and pony trucks, live bearing pick-ups
• Front and rear pony wheel trucks to operate on a cam system to allow the model to traverse R2 (40.5”radius) curves
• Die cast pivoted coupling and connecting rods.
• Two versions of smokebox door (one with fixings for B.R. number plate)
• Easily removeable cab roof (for adding a crew) by means of small magnets
• Chimney, short and tall safety valve casings and whistles (brass)
• Working cab doors in metal
• Wire handrails with stanchions in metal
• Full back head detail with reversing lever in ABS
• Coal load in bunker
• Flickering firebox glow
• 1 x Lionheart Locomotive

SPECIFICATIONS

• OPERATOR GWR
• CLASS 5500 Class
• LIGHTING TYPE Firebox (LED)
• MOTOR TYPE 5 Pole Skew Wound

MEASUREMENTS

• MINIMUM RADIUS 1028.7mm (R2)