4 inch scale Burrell SCC crane engine

A 4 inch scale Burrell SCC crane engine, an imposing machine standing over nine feet long including the crane and weighing in at over half a ton.

A finely built engine, completed in 1985 it has spent many years in a large private collection, in company with full-size steam vehicles, tractors and commercials. The paintwork and lining remain in very good, bright condition.

Rarer even than ploughing engines, we almost never see crane engines modelled. If you exclude the one or two Showmans engines with rear cranes fitted - and a small gas-fired Markie - this is the first we've had in over twenty years.

On test, whilst the boiler showed no signs of leaks or deflection, thickness checking showed significant wastage to the firebox and stays - it will require at least a new firebox, although a replacement boiler may be a more economic option.

In steam, the engine ran exceptionally well, the fit and finish of motionwork and valve gear good, the road gears quiet. Water feed is by a mechanical pump - it needs servicing after a prolonged period out of service - and a beautiful little Penberthy "00" size injector.

The canopy is something of a work of art, beautifully planked in contrasting woods with a removable roof panel for driving. It's quickly detachable by removing four pins, greatly facilitating maintenance.