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7 1/4 inch gauge Manning Wardle 0-4-0ST "Pipit" - stock code 8690

We originally bought this one back in 2019, an engine which came to us direct from the builder in excellent, "ex-works" condition having had only light use on his private railway from new.

Pictures opposite and words below are from that time - unsteamed since then it's if anything in even more highly polished condition now!

Boiler has had recent hydraulic and steam tests with new certification issued. There is some video of the engine running earlier in the week on our YouTube channel here - it's an engine that runs every bit as well as it looks, instantly responsive to the regulator and running with sharply defined, square exhaust beats.


An exceptionally well-built 7 1/4 inch gauge narrow gauge Manning Wardle 0-4-0ST, to the Derek Brown/Mark Smithers "Anna" design serialised in "Model Engineer" magazine.

The engine represents the combined work of two exceptionally capable builders, the latter a retired professional engineer who spent his working life in railway engineering. Standard of workmanship is to an excellent standard throughout.

The tender/driving truck was designed for the locomotive, intended to look like something which Woolwich Arsenal might have specified for their 18 inch gauge railway. Whilst the design is a flight of fantasy - albeit an exceptionally well engineered one - it looks utterly plausible.

Tender suspension is by rubber bushes which give a good ride and firm damping, something often missing with coil sprung vehicles. The seat has been upholstered in hide, it hinges to reveal a tool tray, with coal compartment beneath. The self-centring draw bar is backed up by a substantial snap-fit check chain which attaches to a staple on the locomotive dragbeam.

A large engine, at a little under half a ton with its tender. Completed in 2015, it has had less than 60 hours running from new and remains in excellent condition throughout.

Complete with toolbox containing spares, touchup paint and steam-raising blower; a large amount of documentation; builder's notes and a CD containing pictures of the build.

Derek Brown has an excellent website with a full history of the design, along with details of the first example in 7 1/4 inch gauge completed, his own "Anna". Regular readers may remember the first ever run made by that engine back in 2009, on our old garden railway at home.

On a recent visit to our house (where "Pipit" currently resides in the garden room) Derek made a close inspection of the engine, having last driven it some months ago. Suffice it to say it met with the designer's approval who noted - favourably - that the builder had taken the trouble to make and fit his meticulously researched Giffard injector (although if you think a modern injector has a mind of its own, you want to try an antique French one - plus pour la décoration que la fonction...)

Offered in as-new condition with 12 months warranty, supplied with firing irons and starter kit of coal and oil.

gauge 7 1/4 inch
scale 4 inch
length/inches 58 + 42
width/inches 22
height/inches 40
weight/kg 310 + 125
wheel material cast iron
axlebox type plain bearing
cylinder material cast iron
valve type slide
valve gear Stephensons
reverser type pole
lubricator type mechanical
injector(s) 2
boiler number WSME.702.11.H.V.S
year built 2011
boiler maker Western Steam
CE mark yes
working pressure/psi 90
boiler type locomotive
boiler material copper
boiler construction silver soldered
hydraulic test valid to 1-Feb-2027
steam test valid to 30-May-2024
safety valve(s) 2
safety valve type spring
mechanical pump axle
hand pump 1
whistle chime type