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 |