GWR/Caledonian 944 Class Project

In the mid-1910s the Caledonian Railway (later absorbed into the LMS) needed a powerful tank locomotive for heavier suburban and Inverclyde line passenger work. William Pickersgill answered with the unusual 944 Class — a dozen 4-6-2T “Pacific”-type tank engines built by the North British Locomotive Co. in 1917. These graceful, large tanks were used on local expresses around Wemyss Bay and later on banking and secondary duties before being withdrawn between 1946 and 1953.

At an estimated price of £149, a ready-to-run or resin kit of the 944 Class would bring distinctive silhouette and real action to your layout — a rare Pacific tank that turns heads. Subscribe and support the production.