5 inch gauge LNER V3 2-6-2T

A finely made 5 inch gauge LNER V3, Gresley's handsome three cylinder suburban tank locomotive.

The work of a highly capable engineer with several fine locomotives to this credit built over a thirty year period, including a well-known A4 Pacific, veteran of several IMLEC competitions.

Fit and finish of machined parts is excellent, the valve gear is finely detailed. Platework has been crisply done.

Unsurprisingly the engine runs as well as it looks, free-steaming with good valve events, notching up in either direction.

I like big tank engines like these - all the power and performance of a main line express locomotive, but without a tender to lean over (which for some of us is getting to be a significant impediment to comfortable driving!).

Pictures opposite show the locomotive, taken last week, along with one or two of it in build (it was finished in two years) and the builder's workshop with other projects on the bench. I've noticed over the years how the workshops of top craftsmen all have a similar look - often modestly equipped by way of machinery but comprehensively found for well-sharpened tools and drills.