Hornby Railways R.051 GWR Pannier Tank Locomotive

When I was about 8 or 9 years old my dad took me to the local model railway shop, and said that I could choose any train set I wanted. I was looking at the sets on display in the window, whilst my dad went inside to talk to the shop keeper. I can remember looking at the sets, and seeing the GWR pick up goods set,. When my dad came out of the shop to ask if I had picked a set I would like, I pointed to the set, and he asked if I was sure, I said yes, because it had 6 wagons, were as the passenger set only had 2 coaches. So this brings back happy memories.

Very impressed that the pannier tank didn’t stop on any of the points. Mine always used to. Eventually I swapped the chassis with an older diesel shunter which was a much better runner.

I was very lucky to pick up this lovely little loco a couple of years back at Model Rail Scotland for a bargain price excellent condition complete with syncrosmoke, original box (little bit tatty) and runs wonderfully. Like most folk am not always that lucky! Good to see yours running so well Oscar!

Remember when the Pannier came out, the great and good in the Model Railway Constructor absolutely slated it. Evening Star came out at the same time. I just thought they were superb. Another great video, thank you.

I got a R051 in a set for Christmas 1974. The loco did have Synchrosmoke. The smoke units in all locos were dropped in 1975. For 1975 the pannier tank was renumbered with catalogue number R041 and repackaged in a polystyrene tray with a slide on outer window box and a line drawing insert. If it don't smoke its a R041.

My brothers first set, the GWR pick up. Came with some track and a battery controller.

My first model , in the GWR Freight set train set. Christmas 1974.

Hi Oscar, I’m a bit later this week as I was discharged from hospital on Sunday after a hip operation and as a credit to you and your channel the first thing I did was sat down and watched Sunday’s video with a restorative cup of tea. Great ‘tank’ video, I have two Panniers and they must be later editions as, from memory, they have flanged centre wheels. Tanks run on small goods/passenger services back in the day and were part of the landscape. We need them to maintain a reality along with the big hitters. Squirming here slightly and not from post op. A decent collection has been donated to the club and up for auction today. I have left a couple of bids but would have loved to have been there. Thanks, Gordon

Thanks Oscar, I have the less glossy Panier tank that you described, I bought it as I had aquired two autocoaches, although I'm not sure they ever ran with them in real life. Lovely to see the Dublo R1 always a favourite, great locos.

The label says "The Model shop Newcastle 22015".

I preferred your board when it had a painted grey base, like the cover of one of the catalogues.

Hi Oscar, marvellous, the GWR pannier tank was my first ever out of the box brand new loco when I was a kid. I mostly had second hand locos because the budget was quite tight. It was so exciting getting that loco and it had that exact distinct resonating sound that you picked up in the opening shots. It's still in the loft of my brother's farm in Tasmania. Now, remindered of it, I will have to get it brought over to France by the next visiting family member... if they can find it! It had matching coaches, GWR R931 and R932 as well. Thanks again, Guy

Hi Oscar, You can repair the buffer beam damage using superglue and baking powder to build it up. then sand and paint it. Thanks for another Sunday morning treat.

Lovely video. Ah 8751 was one of my first locos back in 1975. That and an L1. Mine was a smoke model. Still got her, still running

I loved my pannier my mum got me the set with station good shed kit level crossing and signal. From hamleys in 1978 for guess what £17.99 mind you then that was a lot of money she had an inheritance ,I wore mine out I’ve got a nice mint one now in box plus an LT one,my pannier looked good pulling my two teak LNER coaches 😂,the sound of yours took me back to being 10 again funny mum said to my son just now I got your dad one of them 😊😊bless her ❤ All the best mate Mark 😊😊

I have one of the later versions with synchro smoke - interesting to see the changes they made inside. It's one of the few locos I ever bought new. It too has the distinctive 'growl'. The 0-6-0 shunter has its own tone too, especially when on PWM power. I think my PT must have got dropped at some point, as I then found that the flat top of the panniers with the brass detail is a separate moulding from the rest of the body and now regularly comes apart. It makes recharging the smoke easier! Thanks for sharing your layout with us all. Mike

This was my second train from my childhood, the GWR pannier has always had a special spot in my toy train’s memories. I have three now, they all have a unique sound to them. As you showed, take the body off and they can be very quiet but pop the body on then you can hear it. Not sure if it’s the type of plastic or the way the body is designed but the motor purs away. GWR passenger with two coaches; then goods and freight. Thankyou got bring back some fond memories that are shared with so many. Wishing you all the best Oscar, Marc from Leighton Buzzard

Superb running session this morning Oscar. I have ridden behind a Pannier on the South Devon Rly and it had quite a bark to it so the growl of your model seems quite appropriate. The price label was "The Model Shop, Newcastle" but I couldn't make out the phone number. Perhaps there is a history somewhere. Thank you as always, I really liked today's running session. David.

Hi Oscar. Great video! I think every layout needs either a Pannier tank or a Jinty! Some lovely push-pull running there. Regards Antony.

Hi Oscar. I noticed when you ran it first it sounded quite noisy as is usual for these 060s. But then later on in the video it was quieter. Bit odd. I put bubble wrap or other material inside the body to deaden that echo from the motor. Thanks for sharing