U Class Loco BR Lined Early Black 31631 (DCC-Sound)

U Class Loco BR Lined Early Black 31631 (DCC-Sound)

1:76 scale model produced by Rapido Trains. This model is ready-to-run straight out of the box and would make a excellent addition to any model railway collection.

• DCC Sound Model
• This model mainly operates in British
• This model is decorated in BR company markings
• This model is best suited to 438mm radius curves
• BR Lined Black (Early Emblem) No. 31631
• 4,000gal tender
• U1 type chimney
• Flat fronted cylinders
• Round dome
• Snifting valves plated over
• And many more variant parts
• Dynamic firebox flicker
• 21-pin DCC decoder socket
• MoPower stay-alive capacitors
• Factory-fitted speakers
• Sprung buffers
• Museum quality paint finish
• Smooth & powerful mechanism
• Highly detailed
• NEM coupler pockets

Details

The SR U class was a series of 2-6-0 steam locomotives designed by Richard Maunsell for passenger service on the Southern Railway (SR) in the 1920s. Evolving from the earlier SECR K class tank engines, the U class was part of Maunsell’s effort to modernize the fleet by replacing outdated 4-4-0 locomotives. The first 20 locomotives were rebuilds of the K class, one of which had been involved in the Sevenoaks accident. These were followed by 30 newly built engines between 1928 and 1931.

Drawing on the design of the GWR 4300s and N class locomotives, the U class also incorporated Midland Railway principles, helping to advance the development of the 2-6-0 type in Britain. Their design prioritized standardization and interchangeability with other Maunsell classes. A total of 50 U class engines were built, with the design later forming the basis for the 3-cylinder U1 class.

Nicknamed "U-boats" after German submarines, they served widely across the Southern Railway and later British Railways until their withdrawal in 1966. Four examples have survived into preservation and are operational on heritage railways in southern England.