4 inch scale Clayton & Shuttleworth agricultural engine

A 4 inch scale Clayton & Shuttlework agricultural engine, one of the larger models in this scale.

It's come to us having been in recent use, with new commercial boiler certificate issued in November of last year - however, we regard it as a running restoration project (and not sure who was the braver, the previous owner or his boiler inspector).

On arrival we dismantled the boiler - commercially-built by Gloucester Steam & Traction - for test. The cladding hadn't been off since 2010, the fusible plug fell out with virtually no threads left on it, pump was blocked and the washout plugs firmly stuck in - we suspect they came out at the last hydraulic test but not since.

We've removed the cladding and washout plugs to allow a proper internal inspection; made an ultrasonic survey of all plates and recorded their thicknesses; re-threaded the fusible plug bush and made and fitted a new oversize plug before conducting a hydraulic test with new certification issued.

The engine runs on air, it requires work including servicing the pump, freeing off the blowdown valve and checking operation of safety valves before further use.

The chimney base is a crude fabrication, managing simultaneously to look horrible whilst also placing the chimney off centre of the blast pipe, which is likely to do wonders for the steaming - it needs replacing.

Given its size and rarity, a thoroughly worthwhile project. It's been neglected in recent times, however it requires time rather than money to restore - a light overhaul and repaint would transform the engine.