7 1/4 inch gauge GWR 45XX 4-6-2T

A 7 1/4 inch gauge GWR Small Prairie, assembled from a set of ModelWorks kits supplied new in 2003.

On initial hydraulic test the boiler appeared structurally sound, although the fusible plug needed re-leading and the blower valve leaked badly - we replaced it with a smaller one, better suited to the pipe size.

On steam test the safety valves proved ineffective - they'd been set to let off well below the working pressure, which usually indicates an attempt to cure accumulation problems (which never works!) Sure enough, when reset to open at 100psi, they accumulated, requiring either new springs, reworking or replacement (we tend to go for the latter, it's usually cheaper in the long run).

The pumps and injector all worked; the engine ran on the rolling road, requiring some blower to maintain pressure, with steam leaking past pistons and/or valves.

There are generous clearances between both connecting rods and the crossheads, sufficient that we'd consider making up spacers to control the side to side play.

After thirty minutes running, ominous fizzing from under the firehole door brought proceedings to a halt, with several pinhole leaks apparent around the door ring. When cold the next morning, another hydraulic test showed up persistent weeps which will require the boiler lifting from the frames and the backhead cleaning up before undertaking a repair.