3 1/2 inch SAR Class 15F 4-8-2

A largely complete South African Railways Class 15F, this one was actually built in South Africa with its initial test certificate issued by the Rand Society of Model Engineers in 1997. It's a 3 1/2 inch gauge engine, but given the size (large) and gauge (narrow - three foot six) of the prototypes, the model comes out the same size as the 5 inch gauge 9F in the workshop at the moment - it's not an easy lift, even for Steve and I between us.

Silver soldered copper boiler, working pressure 90psi, four safety valves. Cast iron piston valve cylinders, Walshaert's valve gear with screw reverser in cab, pair sight-feed lubricators.

The locomotive itself is built to a good standard and runs well on air - there's a clip of it here.

Remaining work includes plumbing up the water feeds and bits of platework including cladding the cylinders.

The tender is from another project completely, Martin Evans' "Natal", although of a type appropriate to the locomotive (if not exactly a good match for colour). It too is well made, nicely detailed - it simply needs painting black.

The water bowser came with it and looks the right kind of thing to be towing round behind it.