7 1/4 inch gauge GWR 11XX 0-4-0T "Phoenix"

A 7 1/4 inch gauge GWR 11XX 0-4-0T to George Gentry's venerable "Midge" design, the construction was serialised in "Model Engineer" magazine starting in 1935.

Although not dating back quite that far, "Phoenix" has a long and interesting history, well documented by its previous owner, a retired engineer who overhauled it in 2018 having originally bought the engine in 1986.

Originally built by D.S.E.Gudgin FIMechE, works manager at Vulcan Foundry, Newton-le-Willow, to run on his private railway along with "Iron Duke" (formerly named "Churchward"). The engine was bought by Jack Lillington in 1973, latterly running at his well-known Wellington Country Park Railway alongside several other engines including the Royal Scot "Lion" we sold some years ago; Beeson's Great Central "Director" which was displayed there and a powerful, freelance 0-6-0T "Wendy" which has recently arrived with us.

In an article written for the 7 1/4 inch gauge Society journal in 1980 the engine was featured in a group photograph of the Country Park's locomotives, described as "a handsome, well-detailed 'Midge'". Although the build was attributed to Ray Hammond, a letter to the last owner from Jack Lillington's son suggests he rebuilt, rather than built, the engine at that time.

We had the engine out yesterday, running up and down on a cold and windy day outside the workshop - it steams freely and runs nicely, with well-defined exhaust beats.

Boiler has one minute bead showing on a stay cold which takes up under steam, safety valve doesn't accumulate (quite) but it's on the limit and needs either stripping and servicing with a new spring, or replacement.

Complete with club paperwork, with hydraulic test valid through until July 2023; 17 pages of hand written notes and drawings by the previous owner detailing all work carried out; his history of the engine and correspondence with the previous owner.