Model Rail Exclusive - Bachmann MR-103 USA 0-6-0T Class Review

A review of a very eagerly anticipated Model Rail Exclusive - Limited Edition Bachmann USA 0-6-0T Class, in smart BR Early Black Livery.
The United States Army Transportation Corps S100, was designed for shunting duties throughout Europe and North Africa during World War II. Produced by H. K. Porter, and Vulcan Iron Works in the US, A total of 382 were shipped to Britain in 1943 for storage before the invasion of Mainland Europe in 1944.
After the war a number remained in storage, at Newbury Racecourse. 15 of these where purchased and adapted for UK use by the Southern Railway. Changes included modifications to the cab, British-style regulators, Vac Brakes, extended coal bunkers, plus more. The Tanks saw use at Southampton Docks, where they gained notoriety with railway enthusiasts.
The other member of the class saw services with the National Coal Board, Longmoor Military Railway and even Austin Motors.
Withdrawals of the Southern Railway member of the class happened from 1962 to 1967, with 4 member surviving into preservation.
Bachmann and Model Rail have done an superb job in capturing these interesting and rugged prototypes, with the model features a wealth of detail including; finely applied hand rails and pipework, extensively detailed cab interior, well applied Glazing, plus more.
Fitted with a powerful super crawl 5 Pole Motor, the USA Tank has got to be one of the slowest and smoothest runners straight from the box I have ever seen! Having no issue with point-work, even at a crawl! This model really is a must for any Southern Region, Wartime or Preserved Era modeller!
Hope you enjoy!