No. 157 Keeping the wheels turning – Bachmann’s B1s
The starting point for this Post is B1 61018 named Gnu. In1960 I used to collect engine numbers. One of the better places with an easy cycle ride was Stockton Station. “Oh there’s a B1! Oh no – its Gnu - again!” My records show that in 1959 Gnu was allocated to Haverton Hill. This was located just across the Transporter Bridge from Middlesbrough. I am guessing the shed would have serviced the large ICI Billingham chemical factory. From its frequent appearance through Stockton I am imagining that Gnu was used on fitted freights down to York and would likely have featured vacuum fitted vans loaded with bagged fertiliser (Nitram). Bachmann 61018 Gnu (i) Rails of Sheffield in conjunction with Bachmann produced a limited run model of Gnu. When the opportunity presented itself I would buy one. In common with other vintage Bachmann B1s the nylon wheel centres of my chosen model had swollen rendering the model immobile...