7 1/4 inch gauge Tich 0-4-0

An exceptionally well-built 7 1/4 inch gauge "Tich", doubled up from LBSC's legendary 3 1/2 inch design.

A local engine, this one came in to use recently in part exchange for a Burrell traction engine. It's nicely made throughout with crisply machined valve gear and motionwork, neatly flanged and fitted platework and well-applied paintwork and lining, which remains in good condition.

The builder has added considerable extra detailing - some for aesthetic considerations, including the brass boiler bands and spectacles, lamps, lubricator neatly tucked away between the frames and wood planked footplate; others for practical reasons, designed to aid maintenance and driving, including the tank mounted axlebox oil boxes, side tank level gauge and substantial derailing bar.

In steam it proved to go just as well as it looks - a thoroughly well-sorted locomotive, it's a lovely thing to drive. Quiet, responsive to the regulator it runs nicely in both directions - as always slightly better forwards than reverse - and notches up well.

The boiler has had hydraulic and steam tests with new certification issued - on the track it proved free-steaming, with an injector that worked faultlessly from 25psi right up to working pressure (and still putting a little in with 15psi on the clock at the end of the day!)

Complete with drawings, the engine is supplied with a starter kit of coal and oil, a set of firing irons and 12 months warranty.