7 1/4 inch gauge C19 2-8-0

A 7 1/4 inch gauge Baldwin C19 2-8-0, built to the Milner Engineering design by a prolific model engineer with many large locomotives to his credit and owned, for the past twenty years, by a retired professional engineer where it kept company in his workshop with a fine LNER A1 Pacific and Orenstein & Koppel rack and adhesion locomotive.

Having seen regular club running in his ownership, a boiler inspection in 2016 noted a damp stay in the firebox, with a one year hydraulic test certificate issued. A new boiler was immediately ordered from Bell Boilers and fitted, just in time for the first COVID lockdown whereupon the engine - like so many others across the country - was put into storage. Since that time it has been steamed on a handful of occasions, most recently for a commercial boiler test which, unsurprisingly, the virtually unused boiler passed with flying colours.

Boiler feed is by a pair of injectors - the steam pump serves a decorative purpose but adds little to the water level...

Fastidiously maintained by its last owner, the engine steams freely and - with little wear evident in motionwork or valve gear - runs very quietly. Very much a "gentle giant" to drive, it is responsive to the regulator, pulling strongly and, thanks to the air-braked tender, easy to stop - reassuring in a locomotive that, with tender, tops the scales at something over half a ton.

By way of summary, notes from the job card speak eloquently as to what the workshop thought of this one:

"The boiler is super free steaming, spending most of the day blowing off. Both injectors work beautifully...The engine runs really well in both directions, the chassis shows little sign of wear and feels like it could pull a house down, along with the foundations... A serious bit of kit, most people will struggle to find enough rolling stock to make it work!"

Offered with full certification, 12 months warranty, set of firing irons and a starter kit of coal, oil and water treatment. We would be more than happy to give half a day's instruction on the steaming, running and disposal of the engine to a new owner if required.