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

A 7 1/4 inch gauge 0-4-0T to Dick Simmonds' well-regarded "Hercules" design, in "barn find" condition having spent many years at the back of the builder's workshop as he went on to build other locomotives.

Well made in the first place, the engine has seen much use over the years, although the motionwork and valve gear are in better condition than appearance would suggest. The cab is only loosely fitted and the offside side tank top is missing.

The boiler bears a Northern Association number and has obviously been well-used - and repaired - in the past. Despite looking a complete mess, at twice working pressure on hydraulic test it appeared dry and free of distortion, other than a single pinhole leak on the firehole door ring.

The chassis, seized when it first arrived, has gradually freed up simply as the locomotive has been moved about in the workshop. It will currently make almost a complete revolution before stopping.