Sold May 2023 Back to Archive

A 5 inch gauge BR Standard Class 9F 2-10-0, a scratch-built locomotive to the Les Warnett design serialised in "Engineering in Miniature" magazine, with a commercially built boiler by the estimable John Ellis.

This one came to us from the late owner's family and, with the only paperwork available for the boiler a very old, hand-written "test result" on a piece of paper, there was nothing for it but to lift the boiler and strip the cladding so that we could give it a thorough inspection before carrying out a twice working pressure shell test (and if anybody tries to tell you that you that you can carry out a shell test on a fully-clad boiler mounted on the frames - they're wrong!)

The paperwork that came with the boiler showed it as tested for running at 80psi, rather the 100psi we would expect. However, on lifting the boiler, the welcome sight of a Bishop-Ellis stamp and serial number came into sight, a top quality commercially built boiler dating from 1991.

Hydraulic tested at 200psi for 100psi working with not so much as a bead of water on a stay head showing, it was ready to have its cladding refitted before putting back on the frames.

The chassis showed some signs of wear commensurate with use in the past. Both cylinders had several loose bolts - not an uncommon problem in both 9Fs and Britannias - which is not a difficult fix but fiddly and time-consuming, especially if you're having to do it with the boiler still fitted. All were removed, cleaned and reassembled with Loctite.

The original safety valves were unconvincing in operation so were replaced by the excellent type manufactured and supplied by Polly, which we use to the exclusion of pretty much all others these days.

In steam the engine runs beautifully and sounds fabulous - "like the sound of a low-flying helicopter" according to the workshop notes! Injectors both work well - there is a hand pump in the tender, although not piped up.

Paintwork is "working clothes", a not terribly well-applied drab black (which, arguably, is authentic for a 9F in the latter days of steam on BR). There is light wear in the valve gear and motion work which will benefit from some rebushing in the future, although for now we'd run the engine as-is.

The tender brakes are non-functioning, apparently fitted for their decorative rather than retarding qualities; the steam brakes fitted to the locomotive itself will slow it, although you'd want a decent driving truck brake in an emergency...

The engine steams freely and runs exceptionally well, needing no use of blower to maintain pressure during two hours running on the rolling road. At the next overhaul it would benefit from a repaint, with some extra detailing it could be turned into a fine example of this powerful prototype.

Supplied with firing irons, a starter kit of coal and steam oil and 12 months warranty. If required, we would be pleased to include a half day's training in the firing, driving and maintenance of the engine.