Hornby R3759 GWR CLASS 3031 Dean Single Achilles

 

Developed from the original broad gauge 2-2-2 design, 3031 Achilles was the first of the class to be built specifically as a 4-2-2 standard gauge locomotive in March 1894, giving the class its official GWR classification. Known to many though as ‘Dean Singles’, the rest of the class appeared in batches until the last of the class, 3080 Windsor Castle, was delivered in 1899. Built to haul the London to Newton Abbott express trains, the class went on to work London to Birmingham/Wolverhampton trains, as well as Worcester/Oxford and Bristol/Taunton services, until the final locomotives were withdrawn in December 1915.