3 1/2 inch gauge LNER V4 2-6-2 "Bantam Cock"

A well-made 3 1/2 inch gauge model of Gresley's V4 Mogul, to LBSC's "Bantam Cock" design. Built to a good standard, fit and finish of the motionwork, valve gear and platework is particularly well executed, the engine runs very nicely on air with crisp, even exhaust beats, notching up in either direction.

Boiler - unusually for this gauge - is in steel, of welded construction with silver soldered tubes. Beautifully made and equipped with combustion chamber and thermic syphon, it's not something we've seen anybody else do in this gauge apart from the man responsible for the streamlined 4-8-4, Edaville #7 and Mohawk 4-8-4. All similarly well built engines, with similar boiler features. Sadly no longer with us so unable to confirm whether or not he built the V4, but we do wonder.

Provenance aside, at twice working pressure on hydraulic test the boiler showed no signs of leaking or distortion.

Whilst the engine has been steamed in the past - indeed it came to us with the remains of a fire on the grate - it remains in good condition throughout, with little discernible wear.