Sold April 2024 Back to Archive

5 inch gauge Southern U Class 2-6-0 - stock code 11872

A 5 inch gauge Southern Railway U-class 2-6-0, a class of fifty locomotives designed by Richard Maunsell, built between 1928 and 1931.

The work of a professional model engineer whose work we’ve admired for many years. His engines have appeared in these pages on more than one occasion and include the LSWR Adams 0-4-2T, supremely elegant SE&CR Wainwright “D” and magnificent Great Western 47XX.

Anno domini and failing eyesight have finally called a halt to building and driving model locomotives, the time came recently when he decided to move on the last two engines left in his collection – a 7 ¼ inch gauge LB&SCR D1 0-4-2T and this, a 5 inch gauge Mogul.

One of a batch of three 5 inch gauge U-class locomotives - the other two went to customers once completed - this one was intended – in the words of the builder – “as a play engine for myself, with all bells and whistles”.

Construction has continued over a period of fourteen years, fitted in between commissions which included a wide range of locomotives in 5 and 7 ¼ inch gauge, including a batch of three LW&WR 02s, a Terrier, a Duchess, two Castles, a GWR “City of Truro”, the Wainwright D and 47XX mentioned above, and another Southern Mogul (in 7 ¼ inch gauge). It really does bring a whole new meaning to “prolific”!

We’ll let the pictures opposite tell the story on this one. Meticulously researched, highly detailed and beautifully built; if completed to the same - rather daunting - standard, we suspect it would be one of the finest examples of the class modelled.

The CE-marked boiler was supplied by Kingswood Boilers and is complete with original manufacturer’s documentation.

gauge 5 inch
length/inches 37+26
width/inches 15
height/inches 10
weight/kg 54+20
wheel material cast iron
axlebox type plain bearing
cylinder material gunmetal
valve type piston
valve gear Walschaerts
reverser type screw
year built 2023
boiler maker Kingswood Boilers
CE mark yes
boiler type locomotive
boiler material copper
boiler construction silver soldered