2 inch scale Allchin traction engine

A barn find - or in this case container find - Allchin, built to 2 inch scale, scaled up from Bill Hughes' popular 1 1/2 inch scale "Royal Chester" design.

The work of an experienced model engineer, his engines ended up being stored in a container for nearly twenty years until unearthed recently. All have suffered in storage, with surface rust and paintwork in poor condition. The first engine he built - a 1 1/4 inch scale Showmans engine - was started in 1954, followed by a 1 1/2 inch scale Allchin - started in 1957 and completed in the late 1960s - then this one, started in 1974, before he finished with a 5 inch gauge LNER B1, started in 1982.

Pumped up to 200psi for a hydraulic test the boiler showed no signs of leaks or distortion, only thing of note was a tiny bead of water on the foundation ring,however it will need the cladding removing before a full inspection and test can be done prior to certification.

Although it turns over freely, the engine currently doesn't run on air, the slide valve only just opening the ports at one end - it needs shortening slightly.

Largely complete, although missing the chimney cap, lubricator lid, safety valve innards, boiler filling plug, grate and ashpan - none of which would be difficult or expensive to make.

A large engine in full size, it makes an imposing model of handsome proportions in 2 inch scale - there are some pictures in the archive of a fine example we sold earlier in the year.