3 1/2 inch gauge LMS 2-6-4 Stanier Tank

This one has come to us as part of a large collection of good quality locomotives and stationary engines from a long time customer who, in retirement, is downsizing.

Built to an above average standard, fit and finish of the motionwork and valve gear is good, platework is neatly formed.

The boiler has had a hydraulic test with new certification issued. On the rolling road the engine proved free-steaming and ran exceptionally well, with crisp, even exhaust beats in forwards gear, slightly less precise running in reverse. Both hand pump and axle pumps worked effectively.

The engine appears to have been steamed on only a handful of occasions from new, and not at all in recent years. There is some work to do, as listed in our workshop notes:

• regulator leaks slightly
• safety valves accumulate
• injector doesn't work and its water valve is seized shut - we'd recommend replacing injector with a Reeves 18oz type and change pipework to suit
• cab side angle coming apart, needs soft soldering
• there is currently no weight on front pony truck

Jobs requiring time in the workshop rather than significant expenditure - there is the potential to make a fine example of this popular design.