7 1/4 inch gauge "Hercules" 0-4-0T

A 7 1/4 inch gauge 0-4-0T to Dick Simmonds' popular "Hercules" design, examples of which have proved highly successful as club passenger haulers for many years.

A well built engine, fit and finish of motionwork and valve gear is good, paintwork remains bright - overall it presents very well.

The commercially built Swindon boiler has had hydraulic and steam tests in recent days with new certification issued. Injector works spectacularly well, the axle pump is efficient.

There is a steam brake valve fitted, however it proved more ornamental than functional on test.

The engine steams freely and runs well, proving economic of steam and water - there's some video of it on our YouTube channel here.

An ideal engine for a beginner in this gauge - small enough to transport in a large hatchback or small estate car, big enough to be capable of useful passenger-hauling at the club, the size of boiler and firebox making it tolerant of less than expert firing.