5 inch gauge "Sweet Pea" 0-4-0ST

A venerable example of the ever popular "Sweet Pea" design, the work of a retired aeronautical engineer, this one has come to us from the late builder's family.

In "barn find" condition, the engine has been stored for many years in a garage at the family's seaside home, along with a 7 1/4 inch gauge "Holmside" which was completed but never steamed. The builder's two sons, men now nearing retirement themselves, both remember driving this when younger (and indeed one went on to build a "Sweet Pea" of his own).

Needing complete restoration - the engine rolls freely and attempts, somewhat unconvincingly, to run on air (about a quarter turn in forwards gear, three quarters in reverse).