7 1/4 inch gauge Climax 0-4-4-0

A 7 1/4 inch gauge Climax 0-4-4-0. Scaled up from Kozo Hiraoka's excellent 3 1/2 inch gauge design; one of the nicest examples we've seen in any gauge, it's a particularly well-built locomotive that goes just as well as it looks.

The original locomotives, built by the Climax Locomotive Company of Pennsylvania, were widely used on logging railroads - over 1000 were built over a forty year period, ending in 1928.

The welded steel boiler has copper tubes, it's had an internal inspection by camera revealing little to no wastage of stays, followed by hydraulic and steam tests with new certification issued - the boiler also has previous club history.

On the track the engine is a delight to drive, very responsive to the regulator, its looks belying its agility - whilst first impressions might suggest it's a low speed hauler, in fact it's remarkably fleet of foot.

The boiler steams freely, water feeds work well with the exception of the steam pump - yet another one which is less use than ornament!

A useful passenger-hauling locomotive at this scale, just under five feet long and weighing in at something over three hundredweight. Comfortable to drive, the extension controls fall easily to hand.

We like this one - a nicely made, well-sorted locomotive, likely to create interest wherever it's run.