5 inch gauge Southern "King Arthur" 4-6-0

A 5 inch gauge Southern King Arthur 4-6-0 - recently rebuilt with a new commercially built boiler, it's in running order although requiring some work to bring up to scratch.

The boiler has had hydraulic and steam tests in recent days with new certification issued. Water feeds are by axle and hand pump - the No.5 injector fitted is too large both for the boiler and its steam pipe, it wants replacing with a 25oz type.

Safety valves proved unreliable on test - one unwound when venting, the other didn't shut - so have been replaced with a pair of new, pop type valves.

The tender leaks copiously from the soleplate seam - it needs drying out and treating with tank sealant.

All that said, we were surprised at just how nicely this one runs, with clear, square exhaust beats. The boiler proved free-steaming on test, the engine running on the rolling road without need of the blower.

A worthwhile project; given the new boiler and performance of the chassis, it has the potential to make a decent, powerful club performer.