5 inch gauge Southern U Class 2-6-0

A 5 inch gauge Southern Railway U-class 2-6-0, a class of fifty locomotives designed by Richard Maunsell, built between 1928 and 1931.

The work of a professional model engineer whose work we've admired for many years. His engines have appeared in these pages on more than one occasion and include the LSWR Adams 0-4-2T, supremely elegant SE&CR Wainwright “D” and magnificent Great Western 47XX.

Anno domini and failing eyesight have finally called a halt to building and driving model locomotives, the time came recently when he decided to move on the last two engines left in his collection – a 7 ¼ inch gauge LB&SCR D1 0-4-2T and this, a 5 inch gauge Mogul.

One of a batch of three 5 inch gauge U-class locomotives - the other two went to customers once completed - this one was intended – in the words of the builder – “as a play engine for myself, with all bells and whistles”.

Construction has continued over a period of fourteen years, fitted in between commissions which included a wide range of locomotives in 5 and 7 ¼ inch gauge, including a batch of three LW&WR 02s, a Terrier, a Duchess, two Castles, a GWR “City of Truro”, the Wainwright D and 47XX mentioned above, and another Southern Mogul (in 7 ¼ inch gauge). It really does bring a whole new meaning to “prolific”!

We'll let the pictures opposite tell the story on this one. Meticulously researched, highly detailed and beautifully built; if completed to the same - rather daunting - standard, we suspect it would be one of the finest examples of the class modelled.

The CE-marked boiler was supplied by Kingswood Boilers and is complete with original manufacturer's documentation.