1 1/2 inch scale freelance traction engine

A quirky scratch-built traction engine of freelance design, very much a period piece - it's the sort of thing you imagine grandads knocked up in the shed as Christmas presents before the internet was invented.

It's recently come in with a 5 inch gauge Simplex, the owner trading up to a larger scale steam wagon.

I actually find this one rather charming - I like the single-mindedness displayed in finishing it, the desire to make something look like an agricultural engine and work rather than worrying too much about the last word in authentic detail.

From the proportions, size of fasteners and extensive hand-finishing of parts, I suspect this one has a good deal of age to it - if anybody knows anything more of its history we'd be interested to hear from you.

Complete with a canopy, not shown in the photographs. Chimney is loosely attached, boiler has a commercial hydraulic test certificate dated 2016. Fitted with slip eccentric valve gear, it runs well on air.