I know the phrase "Great Western" is probably not a good idea around here but here goes!
I've just got the Dapol N gauge GWR 14xx with autocoach as an xmas present, and was wondering which way around to put the loco. Now from what I've seen of the preserved examples they couple the autocoach to the rear end of the 1400 class loco, however I've also seen pictures of the same loco with the autogear fitted next the front draw hook. I assume from this that either end is correct?
I don't know about the mechanical side to this, but all the photos I have ever seen, either in books showing [historical] scenes or magazines showing preservation scenes, have the 14xx with its cab next to the autocoach (as you originally thought).
Perhaps if no-one replies on here with an authorative post, you could contact the South Devon Rly and ask them?
You can attach an autocoach to either end, although if there was one coach it tended to be attached at the bunker end, you do have examples with an autocoach at both end with the loco sandwiched between, in the Plymouth area you could have two autocoaches each side of the loco.
David Bigcheeseplant wrote:You can attach an autocoach to either end, although if there was one coach it tended to be attached at the bunker end, you do have examples with an autocoach at both end with the loco sandwiched between, in the Plymouth area you could have two autocoaches each side of the loco.
David
Yes indeed, and I've seen pictures of a preserved 64xx Pannier tank working with two autocoaches, looks rather strange too!
My first exposure to GWR steam was a pannier tank in the middle of a four coach train. Most odd but then again what does one expect from a railway that was building Dukedogs when the LNER was building A4s
Spamcan81 wrote:My first exposure to GWR steam was a pannier tank in the middle of a four coach train. Most odd but then again what does one expect from a railway that was building Dukedogs when the LNER was building A4s
That said though, GWR were operating with a good profit margin at the time of nationalisation unlike the others!
