32-862 WSL Bachmann BR Std 9F Tyne Dock with BR1B Tender 92060

Highlights:

• PLUX22 DCC Sound (Sound Fitted Models)
• Accessory-pack
• Directional and interior lighting
• Exceptional standard of exterior and underframe decoration
• Exceptional standard of interior finish, detail and colouring

History

STANDARD CLASS 9F HISTORY

The British Railways BR Standard Class 9F 2-10-0 was introduced from 1954, with a total of 251 built at BR’s Swindon Works (53) and Crewe Works (198). Designed by Robert Riddles, the 9F is just one of Riddles’ BR Standard designs, with different Classes designed for specific duties with the vision that such standardisation would bring improved efficiencies to BR operations. The Class was designed primarily to haul fast, heavy freight trains, but the 9Fs also found favour on passenger turns, in particular summer holiday specials when their lack of steam heating capabilities did not present a problem.

Of the 251-strong fleet, ten locomotives were modified from the standard design and were fitted with Westinghouse Air Pumps. Entering traffic in 1956, these ten locos were sent to Tyne Dock in northeast England and were employed on iron ore trains between Tyne Dock and the Consett iron works. Along with the modified 9Fs, 56 ton bogie wagons had been built specifically for this service and these had air operated doors which allowed for quick unloading at Consett – it was these doors that the Westinghouse Air pumps operated. The ‘Tyne Dock’ 9Fs lasted in service for ten years before the final train was hauled in November 1966 by No. 92063 carrying a ‘Tyne Docker’ headboard.

Despite the first 9Fs being withdrawn in 1964 and the Tyne Dock examples all having gone by 1966, some 9Fs continued in traffic until the final months of steam on British Rail and the last was withdrawn in June 1968. In addition to ‘Evening Star’ – the 999th BR Standard to be built and the final steam locomotive outshopped by British Railways, which was saved for the National Collection following withdrawal in 1965 – eight further 9Fs were purchased by the preservation movement, mainly from the Woodham Brothers Scrapyard in Barry, but so far only six have been returned to serviceable condition in the preservation era.