GWR Shunters' Truck (M4/M5)

GWR Shunters' Truck (M4/M5)

Once commonly seen at many GWR stations, this is a small, but interesting vehicle, particularly if fitted with a suitable "shunter" figure. Includes D/C and lever brake, plus two sizes of buffer heads. 

PROTOTYPE: these shunters' trucks were the last types built by the GWR. The M3 type of 1912-14 was almost identical except for vertical supports for the top handrail.

M4 trucks were built during 1917-38. M5 from 1940 with Morton brake & 18" buffer heads. Trucks were used in some yards until the 1970s, particularly where space was tight e.g. Paddington (ECS), & at Fowey (Ml until at least 1985). Some remained in use well into the diesel era to operate track circuits, coupled to '08' diesel shunters, e.g. at Paddington.

The BR 'TOPS' codes included shunters' trucks, but these may not have been carried (ZSP/R/W/X). Trucks were allocated to specific yards, e.g. Bristol M4 41052, Laira M4 41046, M5 41883, Worcester M5 41823. (See History of GW Wagons, for list) Both M4 & M5 had instanter couplings, on the model it may be convenient to fit a scale type at one end & a Hornby one at the other. Some trucks had 3-hole wheels.

Alan Gibson Wheels compatible : 12mm 8 spoked