1 1/2 inch scale Allchin "Royal Chester" agricultural engine

A 1 1/2 inch scale Allchin agricultural engine to W.J.Hughes' "Royal Chester" design, published in "Model Engineer" magazine from 1950.

Without doubt the most popular model traction engine design ever produced, it was based on the 7nhp general purpose traction engine exhibited at the Royal Cheshire County Show of 1925, the last engine that Allchin built. A handsome engine, the prototype was turned out in full "exhibition finish", with flamboyant paint scheme and much polished brightwork - it survives in preservation, coming up to its centenary.

This model is one of the finest examples we've seen in recent years, awarded the H.M.Webb Trophy by the Bristol Society of Model and Experimental Engineers on completion in 1995, and winner of a Silver Medal and the Bill Hughes Cup at the 1996 Model Engineer Exhibition held at Olympia.

We'll let the pictures opposite tell the story on this one. Suffice to say, standard of workmanship is excellent throughout. Fit and finish of machined parts is first rate, the engine has been finely painted and hand lined to an exhibition finish.

We were particularly taken with the details on this one, including toolbox padlock, engine lamps and a fine set of tools and firing irons.

The engine has been kept for display, unsteamed from new - whilst happy to warranty the boiler, in deference to its ex-works condition and exhibition finish we have made no attempt to strip and test the engine.

Complete with its award certificates, copy of Hughes' book "Building the Allchin" and a copy of "Model Engineer" magazine featuring the engine in its exhibition report.