Present Your Case
If there’s a locomotive that you think needs to be offered ready-to-run, here’s the place to voice your opinion…
Locomotive: Ivatt ‘4MT’ 2-6-0 Gauge: ‘N’ Proposed by: Mike Fitch, Leeds
What is it?
H.G. Ivatt’s final design for the LMS was intended to replace its numerous and aging 0-6-0s. A 2-6-0 had regularly been proposed for this job since the 1930s, but Ivatt’s new design broke away from traditional LMS practice. Indeed, its appearance had much in common with the USATC’S ‘S160’ 2-8-0s.
The design included many ‘modern’ features, the high-level running plate well clear of the driving wheels, self-cleaning smokebox, rocking grate, self-emptying hopper ashpan, tender cab with good rear vision for tender-first running all made for an easier life for the crews. Compared with other locomotives of the time, its appearance seemed austere. However, ‘smart and businesslike’ is probably a more apt description!
All were built at Darlington, Doncaster and Horwich between 1947 and 1952. Once their steaming issues were sorted out, the class was well received and formed the basis of the BR Standard ‘4MT’ of the ‘76XXX’ series, which were introduced in 1952.
What would make it viable?
It has always surprised me that Bachmann has not included the Ivatt ‘4MT’ in its Graham Farish range, given that it already produces the Standard version and the chassis components are practically identical.
For whichever manufacturer might take it on, there are opportunities to offer them to modellers of the London Midland, Eastern, North Eastern and Scottish Regions, including Somerset & Dorset modellers. Of course, they’re a must for any Midland & Great Northern Joint Railway modeller, such as myself, and we’d need to buy them in large quantities.
There were a number of detail differences between batches but nothing too onerous for the contemporary manufacturer to fix, while the key changes – double or single chimneys and tenders with tablet catchers – will make them even more attractive to the modeller. Incorporating such changes will also enable LMS and BR liveries to be offered, although there were plenty of regional variations in the application of BR black to widen that colour scheme’s appeal.
Can I see a real one?
Yes, for No. 43106, a former M&GN ‘4MT’ no less, is in full working order at the Severn Valley Railway.
Have your say
Do you agree with Mike’s argument? Go to www.model-rail.co.uk and take part in our vote.
How to join in
Want to present your own case? Send us 400 words explaining your choice to modelrail@bauermedia.co.uk, putting ‘Present Your Case’ in the subject line.