{"product_id":"7-14-inch-gauge-lnwr-precursor-4-4-0-stock-code-12478","title":"7 1\/4 inch gauge LNWR \"Precursor\" 4-4-0","description":"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 Designed by CME George Whale, 130 engines were built between 1904 and 1907 - withdrawn by 1949, none survived into preservation.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.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    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 \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nh9w3FYCSwo\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e10 1\/4 inch gauge LNWR 4-4-0 \"Loyalty\"\u003c\/a\u003e we rebuilt some years ago (after which it went like a rocket!).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    Offered as a running restoration, with warrantied boiler and mechanically substantially sound, the engine needs work, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e  \u003cli\u003eService\/replace RH injector (the LH one works beautifully)\u003c\/li\u003e  \u003cli\u003eService safety valves, which accumulate\u003c\/li\u003e  \u003cli\u003eRebush connecting rods\u003c\/li\u003e  \u003cli\u003eRepack all glands\u003c\/li\u003e  \u003cli\u003eService lubricator - working intermittently, it needs new ratchet springs\u003c\/li\u003e  \u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e    Paintwork is in poor condition - stripped, repainted and lined in fresh LNWR Blackberry Black livery would see the engine transformed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    \u003cbr\u003e    \u003ciframe width=\"353\" height=\"198\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8EY5upPSx9w?si=No5JGVsKhKbuxPiJ\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Station Road Steam","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54020214653269,"sku":"12478","price":11500.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1023\/0094\/2677\/files\/12478-1.webp?v=1779911864","url":"https:\/\/stationroadsteam.com\/products\/7-14-inch-gauge-lnwr-precursor-4-4-0-stock-code-12478","provider":"Station Road Steam","version":"1.0","type":"link"}