45mm narrow gauge Merlin "Maestro" 0-6-0T

A 45mm gauge "Maestro" 0-6-0T by Merlin Loco Works. Founded by Tom Cooper in the early 1980s from the ashes of Beck of Germany, Merlin produced a range of freelance narrow gauge tank engines including the "Maestro", "Monarch" and "Mayflower" based on Beck components.

Arguably a precursor to Pearse Locomotives in the 1990s - itself a prelude to the incorporation of Accucraft in the early 2000s - there's a noticeable throughline in the design principles; the radio control, simplified Walschaert's valve gear, gas intake and boiler construction are all reminiscent of more common Accucraft models.

The locomotive runs well on air in forwards gear, but proved to be a fussy and rather sluggish performer under steam - it would benefit from further investigation to find the root of the problem, as well as new seals fitting to the water gauge.

Includes free UK shipping.