4 inch scale "Caradoc" steam tractor

We sold this one back in 2017, it's recently come back from a long-time customer who has had many engines from us over the years, a man from a family of prolific engine builders.

Pictures opposite are from last time we had it in - it looks similar now. Went well last time it was with us, however the last three years storage in less than ideal coditions haven't been kind to it.

The boiler still appears sound and leak-free on hydraulic test, although the washout plugs are firmly seized in. Engine attempts to run although blows by badly on air - however it's easily accessible under the bonnet, stripping the valve chests and cylinder covers a straightforward job.

We've recently sold a "Caradoc" in 3 inch scale - impressed with that one at the time. This example in 4 inch scale must be twice as much fun, we had it in steam all afternoon last week and ended up burning half a sack of coal by the time we'd all had a play with it.

There's some video here

of Victoria running around the yard during her week's work experience with us (and a safe pair of hands she turned out to be, owning her own 4 1/2 inch Burrell already, a career in engineering planned).

Designed by John Haining, "Caradoc" is his take on what an agricultural tractor would look like had steam continued into modern times. A whimsical idea, but he brought his immense experience to the design - a professional steam engineer in his working life, he was responsible for a range of model designs (including Fowler ploughing engines and the Durham & North Yorkshire traction engine) - resulting in a surprisingly capable vehicle.

An easy to drive, biddable engine which we found free-steaming - and a lot of fun to boot. If considering a 3 inch scale engine as the first step into miniature steam, this 4 inch engine is worth considering - particularly for the larger driver, where its power and physical size make for a more comfortable driving experience.

Complete with driving seat (which doesn't make the front end go light even when I sit on it!)