Like LBSC's "Tich", "Minnie" is diminutive and of appealing proportions but - how best to put this - often built by beginners. Who were, after all, the intended audience.
The problem comes if, having fallen for the looks of either of these engines, you want to find a nice one...
This is an older engine, particularly well made in the first place and unsteamed from new, it's now somewhat dusty and oil-stained from years sitting on a bookshelf.
Fit and finish of the motionwork and valve gear is very good, the engine turns over smoothly without a hint of roughness or tight spots.
Paintwork is in good condition, the brightwork is dull mainly from oil staining, probably where it's been sprayed with a preservative in the past - it would clean off with a little white spirit.
length/inches | 17 |
width/inches | 8 1/2 |
height/inches | 12 |
weight/kg | 11 |
cylinder material | gunmetal |
valve type | slide |
valve gear | Stephensons |
reverser type | pole |
lubricator type | mechanical |
working pressure/psi | 50 |
boiler type | locomotive |
boiler material | copper |
boiler construction | silver soldered |
safety valve(s) | 2 |
safety valve type | Ramsbottom |
mechanical pump | 1 |
road speed(s) | 2 |