The class was designed by Charles Collett and introduced in 1931, and were a straightforward development of the earlier 31xx and 51xx class . The main difference from their predecessors was an increased boiler pressure of 225 psi with a consequent increase in tractive effort.

There were seventy in the 61xx class, built in two batches in 1931-1933 and 1935. They were frequently referred to by trainspotters as 'Tanner One-ers'- being a reference to their '61xx' numbering sequence using colloquial terms for a sixpence and a penny.

The class was specifically built for commuter services in the London area where they replaced the ageing 2221 class on these services. They lasted to the end of steam on the Western Region of British Railways in 1965, never straying far from their home turf. Typical duties were Paddington to Aylesbury via High Wycombe, and from the same terminus to Oxford, Windsor, Reading and Basingstoke. They were mainly shedded at Old Oak Common, Southall, Slough, Reading and Aylesbury throughout their lives. In the early 1960s, the advent of the first generation diesel multiple units made them semi-redundant though generally far from worn out. Their last few years saw them on more menial duties, as in the adjacent photograph, until scrapping.

This is Heljan's first venture into O gauge steam outline and is now available. We are taking advance orders for these now and there are 7 Limited Editions to accompany the standard models produced by Heljan. The standard models from Heljan are coming already numbered and with appropriate shed codes for the BR liveries whereas the Limited Editions are coming un-numbered so the customer has the choice of number for themselves. We are producing just 50 each of our Limited Editions so advance ordering is highly recommended.

Ready to run.

Features Include
• Highly detailed model in 1:43.5. (O Scale)
• Highly detailed cab interior.
• Powerful 5 pole motor.
• NEM pocket for couplings.
• Screwlink coupling
• designed with sound installation in mind.
• Flickering Firebox
• Heavyweight model, weighing 2.0kg.

Model will have the 'mother board' from ESU decoder 54399 pre-fitted with a blanking plate for DC use. If a sound decoder is required by the customer it will be a simple plug & play scenario and our sound fitting service is available at £280.00

The seven Limited Edition versions of the new Heljan Large Prairie can now be confirmed. The five standard versions from Heljan will carry numbers in the 61xx sequence making them all locomotives used around the London area.

Tower Models will offer un-numbered versions of these locomotives so customers can number them in 41xx and 51xx sequences themselves making the locomotives suitable for a wider geographical use.

Body-wise there are very little difference externally between a 41, 51 or 61xx with the main changes being made in the transition from Great Western to BR such as the bunker steps added and addition of 2 handrails to the cab.

In regard to all 61xx's, our workshop service is also available for weathering locos at an additional £50.00. In regard to our Limited Edition un-numbered versions there is also the option of having us number the loco at £25.00 on the BR un-numbered versions or £50.00 on the GWR versions as this also includes the buffer beam numbering as well as the brass plates.