How were the GWR 16xx Tank Engines used in the Thames Valley?

[Tallpaul70]

Hi All,
I am thinking of buying one of the GWR 16xx tank engines announced by Model Rail in 00 gauge for my 1960-62 layout.

Before deciding, I would like to know how the examples at Slough and Oxford sheds were used.

Did they share diagrams with the more numerous 57xx tanks or did they have specific tasks?

I would have thought that their power classification of 2F as against the 57xx rating of 3F would mean they could not do all the jobs the 57xx could?

I am mainly interested in their use west from Slough and on the branches such as Maidenhead to High Wycombe and Oxford to Princes Risborough.

Any relevant information will be appreciated.

Many thanks
Best regards
Paul

[LC&DR]

The 16xx were employed on branch lines where axle load, sharp curves and loading gauge restrictions were present. Most of them were in South Wales or at Lydney. One (1646) went to the Scottish Region (60C) for the Dornoch branch. 1605 was briefly on the Midland Region on the Dursley - Coaley branch, and had been at Southall for shunting at Hayes and West Drayton, but by 1959 was at Gloucester. St Blazey had a couple. In 1959 there were none at all allocated to the 81 area (Old Oak Common, Slough, Southall, Reading, Didcot or Oxford).