5 inch gauge Polly "Caroline" 0-4-2T

Just like waiting for a bus, no sooner have we sold one "Caroline" - Polly Engineering's attractive take on a 1920s Orenstein & Koppel - than another happens along.

This one came to us recently with several other engines in part exchange for a Feldbahn and Stafford - currently starting construction of a new 7 1/4 inch gauge garden railway, the owner wanted to get his motive power sorted out early on.

A well-used engine, it's basically in good order; paintwork was done to a fairly pedestrian standard in the first place and has weathered somewhat since. The "O&K patent valve gear" provides for reasonable performance going forwards, slightly less enthusiastic in reverse.

At some stage - probably on initial build - the engine has been converted from its standard 0-4-0 to 0-4-2 configuration, with a small set of trailing wheels under the cab. These have a rather cunning quick detach arrangement, which is handy when time comes to drop the fire (on either a planned or emergency basis...)

Complete with original assembly manual and somewhat funereal looking driving truck.