Bachmann GWR 56xx Tank Review

For the first time in a few weeks, it is time for a model review! This time, the subject is Bachmann’s 56xx 0-6-2T, which proves to be a big hit on Locoyard…

Class: Collett 5600 class

Use: Hauling Heavy Coal Trains

Region:Western

Era: 1924-1965

Preserved examples:

5619 – North Norfolk Railway
5637 – East Somerset Railway
5643 – Llangollen Railway
5668 – Kent & East Sussex Railway
6619 – Kent & East Sussex Railway
6634 – Severn Valley Railway
6686 – Barry Tourist Railway
6695 – Swanage Railway
6697 – Didcot Railway Centre

Model:

Manufacturer: Bachmann

Motor: 3 pole Loco-drive

Power: Heavyweight

DCC options: 8 pin dcc ready/fitted

Model Reviewed – 32-077 BR Green 5658 (click here for prototype info)

Locoyard Review

Detailing:

4.5/5

Cab details limited by modern standards, but they are difficult to see at any rate. It does not have an opening cab roof but otherwise details are excellent.

Outline/Looks: 5/5

The poise of this 0-6-2 was expertly captured by Mainline’s original model, but Bachmann have given it a much better chassis. It looks great!

Finish/Decoration:

4.5/5

As is typical with Bachmann, new versions have a lovely deep green finish. Top marks are missed, partly due to having no brass numberplates but mainly due to the slight moulding seem on top of the boiler.

Running Qualities:

5/5

Very smooth, quiet, controllable with great pick-ups. It is certainly one of the best performing tank engines on the market.

Relative Power:

5/5

The prototype was a very powerful machine, classified 5MT by BR. Fortunately, this model is no lightweight and is exceptionally strong.

Specification:

4.5/5

It has NEM pockets, DCC socket/fitted versions but no DCC sound version. There is not much space for a DCC chip, so you’ll need to use a smaller decoder.

Value:

5/5

Very cheap for such a fantastic performing model. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another model that is better value for money.

Overall Locoyardometer Score: 4.8

Wow! This model looks great and performs exceptionally and is sold at bargain prices. It is a model that no western region modeller should be without!