In excellent condition, the engine was built in the 1990s whereupon it was "glass-cased" on display until 2018. A new owner at that time had it commissioned for steaming, although subsequently didn't use it at the track.
The commercially built boiler by the estimable John Ellis has had recent hydraulic and steam tests with new certification issued.
The engine proved free-steaming and runs every bit as well as it looks - on test it ran for an hour on the rolling road without need of the blower, the only problem we had was trying to stop the thing lifting the safety valves!
Boiler feed is by twin axle pumps and hand pump in the tender, both of which proved capable of keeping up with demand. There is an injector fitted which works after a fashion, however we would consider it ornamental rather than functional - only the tightness of plumbing under the footplate and use of non-standard pipe fittings prevented us replacing it.
Complete with wooden carry crates.
gauge | 3 1/2 inch |
length/inches | 28 + 18 |
width/inches | 7 |
height/inches | 11 |
weight/kg | 39 |
wheel material | cast iron |
cylinder material | cast iron |
valve type | piston |
valve gear | Walschaerts |
reverser type | screw |
lubricator type | mechanical |
injector(s) | 1 |
boiler number | 515B |
year built | 1995 |
boiler maker | Bishop-Ellis |
CE mark | n/a - pre-2002 |
working pressure/psi | 80 |
boiler type | locomotive |
boiler material | copper |
boiler construction | silver soldered |
hydraulic test valid to | 9-May-2027 |
steam test valid to | 14-Jul-2024 |
superheater(s) | 2 |
superheater type | flue tube |
safety valve(s) | 2 |
safety valve type | spring |
mechanical pump | 1 |
hand pump | 1 |
whistle | yes |