5 inch gauge LNER B1 No.8308 "Klipspringer"

An exceptionally well made 5 inch gauge LNER B1 No.8308 "Klipspringer", this one has come to us as part of a small collection of locomotives including a similar quality LNER J39 and the part-built LNER K1 recently listed.

One of the finest examples of this design we've had in recent years, fit and finish of machined parts is excellent, platework is neatly formed and fitted. The lined out Darlington green livery was well executed originally and remains in good condition.

The commercially built boiler has had hydraulic and steam tests with new certification issued, the two injectors - neatly piped up underneath the footplate - worked faultlessly, with neither the axle or hand pumps required during an hour's steaming.

The safety valves proved reliable in operation, opening at working pressure and closing positively with a "pop" at 75psi.

The boiler makes steam freely, the chassis proved parsimonious in its use thereof - the result being an engine that largely looked after itself on the rolling road without need of blower, running beautifully down to the slowest of tickovers.

There is a large twin ram lubricator fitted beneath the front running board, with a pair of dummy Wakefields mounted on the nearside running board.

Fitted with steam brakes which work well, there is a valve chest pressure gauge in the cab - a nice detail and aid to precision driving, we don't know why more engines aren't fitted with them.

As you might have gathered, we're rather smitten with this one. The workshop - which sees a couple of hundred engines a year pass through, and not normally given to hyperbole - noted on Klipspringer's job card:

Its a stunning bit of kit that really does go as good as it looks, a superb piece of engineering.

Offered with 12 months warranty, a starter pack of steam oil and coal. If required we would be more than happy to include half a day's training at our works on the firing, driving and disposal of the engine for a new owner.