7 1/4 inch gauge Sweet William 0-4-0 with tender

A "barn find" 7 1/4 inch narrow gauge 0-4-0ST with dismantled ride-in tender, built to the popular "Sweet William" design.

We've listed this one as a "running restoration" inasmuch as it does just about run - and will surely need restoration, although much of that could be done while keeping the engine usable between sessions in the workshop.

It came to us in the rather dilapidated condition you see here, not having been run in some time. First step was to give the boiler a washout, followed by ultrasonic survey and hydraulic test.

The engine steams and will run up and down the track with its driver - there's some video of it here. It really needs a complete overhaul, but for now specifically it needs attention to valve timing, replacement of tired springs, regulator servicing, safety valves (which don't accumulate but neither do they close of their own free will) and replacement of pretty much every gasket.

On the plus side the engine is fitted with a decent-sounding chime whistle and vacuum brake equipment with gauge, ejector and PNP Railways brake valve.

Fitted with a rather nice pair of works and number plates, plus nameplates declaring "Best Mate" - less an observation on the engine's fidelity we suspect, more a reflection on the limitations of some previous owner's social circle...

The tender is halfway through a stalled rebuild, with new chassis erected and wheels fitted onto new axles. Complete with a steel body and horrendous plastic seat, which would be ideal if going for the "elderly driver on a commode" look at the club. Otherwise we'd throw it out and fit something a little more suitable.