5 inch gauge GWR 45XX 2-6-2T

This one has come to us as part of a large collection from a long-time customer in Switzerland. Over the years he has bought many fine engines, both from us and elsewhere - in retirement, he has decided that time has now come to downsize.

He bought this one from us in 2015 - there are pictures and some video of it running at that time in the archive.

Unused in recent years, we steamed it last week following a hydraulic test.

The engine steamed freely and ran well in both directions with crisp, even beats, although feeling that it needs a day's steaming after its prolonged period out of use. The injector and pumps all worked reliably.

There is work to be done to bring it back up to scratch, including:

• motionwork, showing signs of wear, requires rebushing
• the regulator passes, we suspect a leaky atomiser valve
• the sight feed lubricator worked well until, late in the day, it filled with gunge - it needs stripping, cleaning and refilling with glycerine
• safety valves need servicing or replacement, they accumulate

The work required involves time in the workshop rather than significant expenditure. A worthwhile project - one of the nicest small Prairies we've had in recent years, it runs very well, with scope for further improvement.