The 57xx class was the most numerous of any on the GWR (and indeed one of the most numerous in the UK) with a total fleet of 863 engines. The first was introduced in 1929 as a development of the 2721 class developed during the previous century. The engines were primarily intended for light goods and shunting, proving extremely reliable and were also useful for light passenger services. Production continued in batches until soon after nationalisation, the last being turned out in 1949. This class of locomotives were rated by the late GWR guru, Pete Rich, as the best ever on the Great Western, above even the Kings and Castles.

Many were built by outside contractors such as North British, Bagnall, Kerr Stuart, Yorkshire Engine, Armstrong Whitworth and Beyer Peacock as well as GWR's works at Swindon. Sixteen of the class have survived into preservation  a number of them via London Transport and the National Coal Board, both bodies continuing to employ them long after the demise of their classmates on the main line. Many main line preservation societies have a 57xx on their register, still doing excellent work.

The locomotive weighs 49 tons and operates at a boiler pressure of 200 PSI. They have two inside cylinders of 17 inches bore by 24 inches stroke, driving 4ft 7 in. diameter driving wheels.

The design for this model originated in the late 1950s by the prolific LBSC from works drawings and his construction series ran in the Model Engineer magazine for a couple of years. It has proved to be one of the most popular with model engineers ever since. This 5” model was built by Ian Carney and displayed at the Guildford Rally.

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