Bachmann Branchline 31-336A Class 04 Shunter D2258 in BR Blue with Wasp Stripes

The Forerunner of the BR Class 04 diesel-mechanical shunter originated in 1947, when Drewry Car Co. supplied a single 0-6-0 locomotive, painted apple green, to the LNER for shunting trails. The evaluation was carried out at Gorton, and then in East Anglia - the prototype, rejected by the LNER, was purchased by BR(SR) for departmental use at Hither Green Depot. In 1952, as the result of R.A. Riddles' policy of favouring diesel power for shunting locomotives, the first orders were placed with Drewry Car Co. and Vulcan Foundry to meet the need for small but versatile locomotives, able to operate on light lines such as tramways, docks and private sidings, where the bigger 350 h.p. diesel-electrics were prohibited. The various batches built incorporated detail differences, the most noticable being on the first four, (11100 - 11103), for use on the Wisbech & Upwell Tramway, which had side valances and cowcatchers fitted.