7 1/4 inch gauge freelance Mogul "Bagheera"

A freelance, bar-framed 7 1/4 inch Mogul, built for its owner as one of a batch of three by a friend of his - an experienced designer and engineer - in the 1990s.

Well proportioned, it is a nicely-built and well-sorted locomotive - it's been in regular club use until recently, although advancing years have meant the owner has increasingly concentrated on his live steam gauge 1 modelling.

The engine has been well maintained throughout its life - fit and finish of motionwork is very good and shows little sign of wear, paintwork is in good order. Fitted with vacuum brake equipment and a steam brake.

Valve gear is most unusual (I was about to say "possibly unique", although I'm sure the other two engines in the batch featured it as well) and elegantly conceived, with a sliding collar on the rear axle moving a drive block in the eccentric sheave, varying the throw of the eccentrics.

The designer obviously got something right with the gear - as far as valve events go, the engine runs beautifully with well-defined square beats. Under load, with its big wheels, I suspect it will sound spectacular!

Tender is equipped with footpegs and seat for driving.