Sold June 2023 Back to Archive

A 5 inch gauge quarry Hunslet No.779 "Holy War", the last steam locomotive to work in a British slate quarry, ending her days at Dinorwic in 1967 before being bought for preservation.

An older engine, in slightly better than "barn find" condition, it was reboilered some years ago. The chassis rolls freely and the boiler appears sound, free of leaks or distortion during an initial twice working pressure hydraulic test. We would warranty as sound, although it will need lifting from the frames for a further test with cladding removed before new certification can be issued.

Apart from the obvious work required - complete strip, overhaul - the regulator will require dismantling to investigate a broken rod or linkage.

The paintwork is a garish pillar box red all over, including the frames - it's crying out for repainting in a darker shade, lined out with black panelling and black frames.

Nicely made in the first place, there's the potential to make an attractive example of this iconic design - a substantial locomotive nearly a yard long and weighing in at a little under one and a half hundredweight.