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A 7 1/4 inch gauge GWR 14xx 0-4-2T to Martin Evans' "Dart" design. The first of three engines built by a gentleman on retirement from industry, this, his first, took a Very Highly Commended award at the Model Engineer Exhibition. Obviously taken by Evans as a designer, he went on to build "Caledonia" and got a good way through "Highlander" before, at 80 and with a house move pending, decided he'd had enough playing with the heavy stuff whereupon all three came here.

Very much a builder rather than driver, none of his engines ever went out to a track, all were test steamed at home to check they worked (and amuse the grandchildren) before being put aside for work to start on the next project - as a result both this and the "Caledonia" remain in as-new condition.

Silver soldered copper boiler, feed by twin injectors, working pressure 100psi. Cast iron cylinders with slide valves actuated by Stephenson's gear, screw reverser in cab. Sight feed lubricator with atomiser valve linked to regulator as per prototype.

The engine has been well-built and nicely-detailed - it comes with a variety of tools for routine maintenance including an extended socket spanner for the blowdown valve. We had it in steam earlier in the week, it runs well.

Length48 inches.

Hydraulic test @200psi, 29-3-2010
Steam test @100psi, 31-8-2010