7442 at Bala, June 1958...

7442 was one of the Croes Newydd 74xx Panniers often rostered for the Bala branch in the late 1950s. The smaller tank engines were well suited to the mountain route, with it's one coach passenger trains but surprisingly heavy freight traffic, even until it's demise in the 1960s...

This is one of the class with distinctive open framing under the front of the tanks, rather than the enclosed panel work seen more often. It is here on shed, coaled up and ready, crew eying the photographer's car as they await the afternoon 3.40pm working to Trawsfynydd (the school train).

Of course this is a Bachmann 64xx I have reworked with replacement front tank supports, modified bunker, details and weathering based upon period photos in the Lightmoor press’s wonderful ‘The Bala Branch’. If you’d like to see your own model reworked then get in touch for a personal proposal, as I enjoy working on these ubiquitous Great Western work horses.

The model is pictured here on Pont-y-Dulais, a remarkably flexible micro cameo shelf layout! I also offer a layout design and/or build service, get in touch for more information. Until next time, more soon...