3 1/2 inch gauge LNWR "Prince of Wales" 4-6-0

A 3 1/2 inch gauge LNWR "Prince of Wales" class 4-6-0, designed by Bowen-Cooke and introduced in 1911.

Typical of LNWR locomotives it's a handsomely proportioned engine, atttractively turned out in their understated Blackberry Black livery.

An older model, nearly fifty years old although showing signs of only occasional - and not recent - use. It's come to us as part of a small collection of locomotives including a Claud Hamilton and fine 5 inch gauge Black 5, kept for display in the owner's house.

The boiler has had recent hydraulic test with new certification issued; the chassis - fitted with prototypically authentic Joy valve gear - runs well on air in either direction with slight leakage past the valves.

We like this one a lot - a most attractive model, the only thing we'd change are the nameplates - whilst textually accurate they're aesthetically disastrous. Nowadays replica plates are readily available and, given the fabulous style of LNWR nameplates, it would be well worth acquiring and fitting a pair.