31-085 Bachmann Class 32XX Dukedog 4-4-0 9022 Black Early Emblem Weathered

The GWRs Dukedog class was created in the 1930s in response to the need for new locomotives with a axle load lower than the Churchward 2-6-0 and 4-6-0 types. The Churchward engines were too heavy for several important secondary routes, especially the former Cambrian line into mid-Wales and the pre-grouping locomotives retained for these lines were becoming worn out.
The Dukedog sobriquet comes from Mr Colletts' cost-effective solution, a 'new' locomotive built using the sturdy double-frame chassis from a Bulldog class 4-4-0 locomotive combined with the lighter weight boiler and cab from a Duke class engine. The result was quite out of place in the Swindon locomotive family, outside frames and boiler domes were features which had been discarded under Churchwards' management, but the dome did give the locomotives a quite distinguished look. Initially the engines were intended to carry the names of Earls, however the gentlemen concerned quickly took exception to their titles being carried by locomotives of such antiquated appearance and the class remained unnamed.
The Dukedogs proved capable engines, provided the work did not demand too much of the boiler which, being smaller than the original Bulldog boiler, had little reserve capacity. On the Cambrian section and other holiday branchlines the locomotives were often hauling express trains through to seaside destinations over routes where the heavier mainline engines which brought the trains from Paddington could not go.
This makes the Dukedog an excellent choice of 'large' engine for any GWR branchline model railway.