I have a small 8 x 11ft layout with second radius curves, and platforms suitable for two or three bogie coaches, therefore I have an interest in running short passenger trains. The LSWR Kensington-Richmond line, which I am very loosely interpreting with my layout, allowed GWR running rights over the western end in its early years, so Dapol's RTR model of this petite auto tank had to be purchased, and in DCC format because I like the dimension of sound. It arrived in the familiar blue Dapol loco box, but rather than supported by clear plastic sleeving (as with the Terrier and 57xx), or shaped foam packing (as with the 08 and Jinty), it was screwed inside a rigid plastic cradle which fitted snugly within the foam-lined box.

First impressions were good, the backhead has intricate pipework and lettered dials and clearly the crew have been burnishing the copper and brass while resting between turns. Incidentally, placing your crew inside is straightforward due to the roof being attached by magnets. All the brake rigging, vac pipes, steam pipes and auto working gear are modelled, as are lamp brackets, fire-iron hooks and sanding gear. The inside motion is convincingly modelled between the frames, but unless you have the version Hornby Magazine reviewed (issue 150), it is static.

The shade of green adopted seems too light to me, lighter certainly than the shade on my Dapol GWR 57xx, or Lionheart Great Western locos. I look forward to a Gazette or Guild forum article on how to darken it while preserving the GWR lettering. Strangely, the front footplate steps have only one tread and are not cranked inwards, as the cab steps are. BR 14xx versions have the correct two treads, inward cranking, and enjoy the correct shade of lined green livery. Finally, the bunker coal plate is the usual level granular plastic, though this item can be prised a void for the real stuff to be inserted.

It is also worth commenting that the buffer and coupling springs are much firmer than the weak ones often criticised on earlier RTR locos.

Moving to the mechanicals, the front axle is fixed, the motor/ gearbox floats on the sprung rear drivers, and the trailing axle rocks about a central pivot. So, this loco can deal with track irregularities, and easily manage second radius (1028mm) curves. With the sound turned off it moves very quietly and smoothly, with pick-ups to all wheels. What it cannot do is pull very much, indicating that maybe a third of its 750g weight is carried on that trailing axle, so whereas my similarly weighted Dapol pannier or Jinty 0-6-0Ts can easily manage three of the Dapol Collet coaches (800g each), my 48xx struggled with a two coach B set, but was fine hauling two Dapol/Lionheart autocoaches (650g each). Note that my layout necessarily includes second radius semi-circles, which will impart drag. If you have more generous 6ft curves you can add at least an extra coach.

In the absence of grabbing more house space to ease my radii, I had to do something rather different. The smokebox door is a push fit, so you can easily plug-in a decoder after you purchase the analogue version. Even with my sound decoder installed there is still space to slot in strips lead flashing, carefully insulated with tape, such as to add 50g of weight just where it is required, at the front. My loco will now handle the B set, just right for calling at Kew Green halt, so handy for the riverside.

This loco comes with a smart looking Owner’s Guide. This lists the DCC functions but doesn't tell you how to tweak the control variables (CVs) to your taste, so please read on if you wish to do so. CV1 is your loco address, so 4800. CV267 enables you to synchronise chuffs to wheel revolutions. I found the preset value of 90 just right. I raised the CV3 value to slow the acceleration. The major adjustment is if you require a 'real drive' facility whereby when you shut off steam, this loco will coast onwards, past platforms and into buffer stops, until you use F7 to apply the brakes. If you want this feature, change CV4 to a value of 254, andCV309 to a value of 7, and enjoy.

So apart from the critical points I make, I find this loco is an excellent performer with short trains, and considering the quality of detail, finish and mechanism represents very good value. Previously, to purchase a RTR 48xx you had to pay much more than three times the price. For those of a GWR or BR(W) persuasion this loco plus an auto coach or B set makes an ideal component for a layout inspired by our Guild's Small Layout series.