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3 inch scale Wallis & Steevens Simplicity roller - stock code 2233
Coal-fired model of this unusual prototype roller by Wallis & Steevens of Basingstoke, England. The original engines were very compact, weighing only 3 tons. Of the twenty originally built, 6 survive in preservation. The distinctive diagonal boiler was intended to prevent low water level damaging the firebox when in less than skilled hands. By the time the firebox crown was exposed, there can only have been about a pint of water in the engine - as a further belt and braces measure, the full size engines had a firebox that could be unbolted from the rest of the boiler for quick replacement!
This engine has been nicely made, little used and runs well on air. The steel boiler has brazed in tubes, feed is by eccentric-driven pump from the second shaft. There would normally be an injector fitted - the boiler has a clack valve for it on the nearside, but no plumbing.
The single cylinder engine has a slide valve actuated by Stephenson's reversing gear - the flywheel is between the hornplates, along with the single speed road gear and differential. The cylinder block is fitted with drain cocks but no linkage back to the footplate.
A smart looking engine, well painted and (rather unusually in a model) sporting the correct corrugated tin canopy as fitted to the original engines.
Drawings and castings for this engine are still available from Stuart Models.
Length 35 inches
Height 24 inches
Weight approx 150 pounds
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