1 inch scale "Minnie" agricultural engine

A 1 inch scale agricultural engine to Len Mason's popular "Minnie" design, originally published as a project for beginners.

Like LBSC's "Tich", "Minnie" is diminutive and of appealing proportions but - how best to put this - often built by beginners. Who were, after all, the intended audience.

The problem comes if, having fallen for the looks of either of these engines, you want to find a nice one...

This is an older engine, particularly well made in the first place and unsteamed from new, it's now somewhat dusty and oil-stained from years sitting on a bookshelf.

Fit and finish of the motionwork and valve gear is very good, the engine turns over smoothly without a hint of roughness or tight spots.

Paintwork is in good condition, the brightwork is dull mainly from oil staining, probably where it's been sprayed with a preservative in the past - it would clean off with a little white spirit.