5 inch gauge Britannia

Assembled from a ModelWorks kit, the engine rolls freely and runs on air in either direction but, as we usually find with these kits, there is leakage past piston valves and/or pistons.

By now there's a well-known remedy - PTFE rings work wonders, we've had some modified Britannias that have run extremely well - the last another "Oliver Cromwell" which we sold earlier in the year.

Centre wheelset crankpins that carry the return cranks are loose on both sides allowing variable and, at times, less than optimal valve events... They need removing, cleaning and refixing with Loctite.

Bushes in the motionwork are loosely fitted - again, they need removing and refitting with some retainer.

The boiler - as might be expected - remains in excellent condition. Complete with original manufacturer's test documentation, it's had a recent hydraulic test in our workshop, with new certification issued.