Ivatt 2MT 'Mickey Mouse' launched in Preston
Date: 12 July 2007
Source: Bachmann
Bachmann Europe PLC today launched its Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 Class locomotive at the Ribble Steam Railway at Preston Docks.
During a ceremony held in front of No. 46441, models of the first production locomotives from the factory were presented by Graham Hubbard, Managing Director, Bachmann Europe Plc, to Mrs Betty Beet the owner of 46441 and The Ribble Steam Railway who hosted the event.
The invited guests were then given a tour of the excellent facilities at Preston and also took a trip on the line through Preston docks hauled by a Class 05 diesel shunter.
128 Ivatt 2MT Class 2-6-0 locomotives were built between December 1946 and September 1952. Entering service with the London, Midland & Scottish Railway, construction continued under British Railways after Nationalisation in 1948. Light axle loadings allowed them to be used on branch line passenger and freight duties and their almost enclosed cabs made them ideal for working tender first when no turning facilities existed. The Class could be found at work on all but the Southern Region of British Railways. The introduction of diesel multiple units and branch line closures resulted in the class being withdrawn between 1961 and 1967, a year before the end of steam on British Railways. Seven locomotives have survived to work on heritage railways.
Initially 3 versions will be available; 46521 (now preserved on the Great Central Railway) in British Railways lined green with late crest, 46440 in BR black with early emblem and 4604 in LMS black. Each locomotive is DCC ready, has locomotive drive, tender cab and detailed pipework. Recommended Retail Price is 73.40
BE 2007-36
