7 1/4 inch gauge GWR 14XX 0-4-2T

An exceptionally well built 7 1/4 inch gauge GWR 14XX 0-4-2T; it's come to us as part of a large collection which included a range of fine locomotives, traction engines and stationary engines.

Overhauled and painted some years ago by a professional model engineer (including the Standard Class 2 we have in at the moment), it has been on display in the owner's house, unsteamed since that time.

Built to Martin Evan's well-regarded "Dart" design using castings supplied by Reeves, standard of workmanship is to a high standard throughout; fit and finish of valve gear and motionwork is good, the platework neatly fitted.

We like the detailing on this one, including well laid out backhead; finely riveted tanks; dummy washouts on the boiler and oil pots mounted on the running boards piped down to guide bars and valve rods.

The engine has had recent hydraulic and steam tests. Free-steaming, it goes as well as it looks, running nicely in either direction - there's some video of it here. For stopping, the steam brake proved effective.

Boiler feed is by a pair of injectors which work well. There is a hand pump of doubtful reliability in the side tank, however getting it out to service would mean cracking the paint, so we're happy to live with injectors alone (and anyway a grown man waggling a pump handle about on a fine scale engine looks a bit silly at the best of times).

Offered with new boiler certification, firing irons, starter kit of coal and 12 months warranty.