7 1/4 inch gauge LNWR "Precursor" 4-4-0

A 7 1/4 inch gauge LNWR Precursor class 4-4-0. Designed by CME George Whale, 130 engines were built between 1904 and 1907 - withdrawn by 1949, none survived into preservation. Bassett Lowke subsequently supplied drawings and castings for a 7 1/4 inch gauge version designed by Henry Greenly.

The engine came to us in a condition just this side of "barn find" - it was last run over twenty years ago and, since then, has been laid up in less than ideal conditions, to the detriment of paint and brightwork.

On arrival we gave the boiler a twice working pressure hydraulic test - it showed no signs of leaks or distortion - preparatory to steaming the engine.

After cleaning off the worst of the muck and having an oil round, on test the engine was a complete revelation, it's looks belying its well-mannered, potent performance. Free-steaming, it maintained pressure and water with only occasional attention to the fire, the large diameter boiler having ample reserves of steam.

The engine runs very well in either direction. Regular readers may know that we're fans of Joy valve gear, having designed and made all new gear for the 10 1/4 inch gauge LNWR 4-4-0 "Loyalty" we rebuilt some years ago (after which it went like a rocket!).

Whilst happy to trickle along at a walking pace with assured, even exhaust beats, opening the regulator gives a hint of the power available - high-geared by virtue of its large diameter driving wheels, we suspect that - like "Loyalty" - this one will turn out to be something of a greyhound.

Offered as a running restoration, with warrantied boiler and mechanically substantially sound, the engine needs work, including:

• Service/replace RH injector (the LH one works beautifully)
• Service safety valves, which accumulate
• Rebush connecting rods
• Repack all glands
• Service lubricator - working intermittently, it needs new ratchet springs

Paintwork is in poor condition - stripped, repainted and lined in fresh LNWR Blackberry Black livery would see the engine transformed.

We have all been impressed by this one. A worthwhile project - at seven feet long and weighing close to a quarter of a ton, restored to its former glory it will make a handsome, powerful locomotive.