3 1/2 inch gauge GER T19 2-4-0

A GER T19 2-4-0, James Holden's design of 1886 for the Great Eastern Railway. A finely made 3 1/2 inch gauge Great Eastern Railway T19 2-4-0 LBSC's "Petrolea" design. Over 100 full-size locomotives - designed by James Holden in 1886 - were built, all had been withdrawn by the 1920s.

The work of a chartered engineer who spent his working life on the railways at Stratford Works, the engine has come to us from the late builder's son, along with his "Tich" and LMS Mogul in the same gauge. Completed in 1982 and unsteamed from new, it has been on display for many years and remains in "ex-works" condition.

The chassis is stiff to turn over - we suspect made to "watchmaker" tolerances - and will require some work to commission for use.

The boiler has had a twice working pressure hydraulic test and appears leaks free, with no sign of distortion. We would warranty it as sound, however the main steam pipe in the smokebox leaks and will need attention before re-testing.