{"product_id":"3-12-inch-gauge-gwr-achilles-class-4-2-2-stock-code-11738","title":"3 1\/2 inch gauge GWR \"Achilles\" class 4-2-2","description":"\u003cfont color=\"red\"\u003e2nd April 2004 - we are indebted to Stephen Harrison for supplying further information about this fine model, including the name of the builder, boiler certification and history.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    A 3 1\/2 inch gauge GWR Dean single No.3071 \"Emlyn\". A beautifully built model of a supremely handsome design, workmanship is to an exceptional standard throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    The design dates back to 1891, originally as a 2-2-2 - a class of thirty engines were built at that time, the first eight being gauge convertible from broad to standard gauge. All were subsequently rebuilt as 4-2-2s.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    A further batch of engines were built to the 4-2-2 design, including No.3071 \"Emyln\" which entered service in 1898. The engine was withdrawn only 16 years later, in 1914 - by the end of the First World War all had been scrapped, none surviving in preservation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    The model was built in 1951 by Mr J.H.Balleny - older readers who grew up reading and re-reading LBSC's seminal \"Simple Model Locomotive Building - Introducing Tich\" will remember its black and white plates showing notable completed examples of the design - including one built by the very same Mr Balleny, featured both inside and on the front cover.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    The chassis runs nicely on air in either direction despite the drain cocks being stuck open - it will run even better when they can close.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    We have an expired club boiler certificate, dated January 1983 (and valid for ten years in those days).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    On hydraulic test at twice working pressure the boiler appeared structurally sound with no sign of deflection or visible leaks from inside the firebox or smokebox, however there is a steady, persistent drip from under the boiler cladding which would require its removal to investigate further. The boiler was originally silver soldered with calked stays - we suspect that the soft solder has broken down on one or more of these, which will require recalking.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    In view of the engine's age, condition - and inevitable damage to paintwork concomitant with lifting the boiler - we've elected not to do that,  it's currently bringing its own special septuagenarian charm to a sideboard not a million miles from these works...\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    Complete with a pair of purpose-built carrying boxes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    \u003ci\u003eInteresting snippet - in addition to being a model engineer of rare ability, Mr Balleny was obviously also something of a vintage car enthusiast, his correspondence in \"Motor Sport\" of 1943 detailing manuals available in the Birmingham Technical Reference Library for marques including Lagonda, Alvis and Bentley.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Station Road Steam","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54019929112917,"sku":"11738","price":5950.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1023\/0094\/2677\/files\/11738-1.webp?v=1779908546","url":"https:\/\/stationroadsteam.com\/products\/3-12-inch-gauge-gwr-achilles-class-4-2-2-stock-code-11738","provider":"Station Road Steam","version":"1.0","type":"link"}