Sold February 2011 Back to Archive

In 1954 Ronald.H.Clark produced a highly detailed design for a Burrell DCC “Scenic” Showmans engine in 2 inch scale, naming it “ThetfordTown” after the town where the original engines were built. Castings have been available since, it’s long been the Everest of small scale traction engine building, much like Shortland’s works-derived GWR “King” design for locomotives – beautiful to look at, technically interesting but a highly-detailed, complex build.

This engine has been well-built and recently re-commissioned after many years on static display in the builder’s daughter’s house. Paintwork is tired, but mechanically the thing remains in good order and runs well.

Silver soldered copper boiler, 100 psi working pressure, feed by injector and mechanical pump driven by 2:1 reduction gear from the crankshaft. Compound cylinder block with slide valves actuated by Stephenson’s gear . Mechanical lubricator. Three speed transmission with differential, winch behind nearside rear wheel with fairleads on tender, detachable crane.

The canopy is detachable, has a panel cut in the rear to give access for driving and complete with clear bulbs all around, some of which require replacment (from experience with my own 4 inch Burrell Showmans engine, keeping all the bulbs going is a bit like painting the Forth Bridge). There is an extension chimney, which stows atop as per full-size.

Length 46 inches
Weight 242 pounds

Hydraulic test March 2010 @150psi, 100psi working pressure
Steam test March 2010