Sold May 2008 Back to Archive

A well-made "Ajax", recently repainted into a somewhat flamboyant colour scheme, well-executed and nicely hand-lined. It comes in hot on the heels of the green "Ajax" I sold last month - this one goes just as well, I ran it for a couple of hours this afternoon and was most impressed by its performance. Running with the reverser three notches off full gear it will keep itself in water using the twin axle pumps and still makes steam - it is a most willing performer.

Silver soldered copper boiler, working pressure 90psi. Feed by twin axle pumps and auxiliary hand pump in the side tank. Outside cylinders with slide valve actuated by Walschaert's valve gear, pole reverser in cab, mechanical lubricator. The motion work is very crisply made and in good condition throughout, with little discernable wear. It's even got a decent whistle.

I've enthused about this design before - it is quite a heavy engine, powerful for its size yet capable of negotiating the tightest of garden railway curves. I like the practical features - big oil tank, axle box accessibility for oiling, generous sized bearings, easy to fit grate and ashpan assembly - which make the engine easy to look after.