Sold July 2024 Back to Archive

4 inch scale Tasker "Little Giant" - stock code 12148

A 4 inch scale Tasker "Little Giant" traction engine, a well-built engine with commercially made copper boiler.

An award-winning model, much exhibited and rallied by its builder until his death in 2019, since when it has not been used. It comes complete with a meticulously kept log detailing the 1,797 hours it has run from new; the repairs, maintenance and improvements made over a busy working life, along with drawings and documentation related to the full-size engines, used when researching the build.

The boiler has had hydraulic and steam tests, with new certification issued. On test the engine proved free-steaming, responding readily to the regulator and running very well - quiet in low gear, with some ringing of the gears in high gear (although, to those of us used to full-size Fowler rollers, nothing to write home about...)

There is minor wear-related play to crosshead and eccentric sheaves, not something that, at the moment, requires attention. We've fitted a new pressure gauge, blowdown valve and a couple of replacement blanking plugs during the pre-sale service.

The engine is two speed with differential, running on rubber tyres. It's road-registered with V5 document.

Supplied with a set of firing irons and starter pack of coal and oil. If required we would be more than happy to include half a day's training at our works on the firing, driving and disposal of the engine for a new owner.


scale 4 inch
length/inches 56
width/inches 23
height/inches 38
weight/kg 206
wheel material steel
axlebox type plain bearing
cylinder material cast iron
valve type slide
valve gear Stephensons
reverser type pole
V5/registration number SY02 VPC
boiler number N86-100-155-201
year built 1999
boiler maker Cheddar Boilers
CE mark n/a - pre-2002
working pressure/psi 100
boiler type locomotive
boiler material copper
boiler construction silver soldered
fusible plug no
safety valve(s) 2
safety valve type spring
mechanical pump 1
hand pump 1
whistle yes
road speed(s) 2
differential yes