{"product_id":"7-14-inch-gauge-vertical-boiler-0-4-0-stock-code-3130","title":"7 1\/4 inch gauge vertical boiler 0-4-0","description":"\u003cp align=\"left\"\u003eI think this is wonderful, Mrs P thinks it's a \"barmy  contraption\" - I guess it's one of those love it or hate it engines.\u003c\/p\u003e    \u003cp align=\"left\"\u003eA beautifully made vertical-boilered 0-4-0, designed and built  by a highly experienced model engineer who had already built a 5 inch gauge  locomotive and a super 7 1\/4 inch Bagnall by the time he got to this one. Built  around a commercially-built steel boiler, it is a large engine, similar in size  and weight to the Bagnall (and, indeed, using Bagnall wheel castings).\u003c\/p\u003e    \u003cp align=\"left\"\u003eSteel boiler by Franklin \u0026amp; Bell with fusible plug and  expanded steel tubes. Working pressure 90psi, feed by injector and a highly  effective, large hand pump. Commercial pop-type safety valve. Twin  double-acting, oscillating cylinders with displacement lubricator. Chain drive  to axle, ball-bearing axleboxes, screw-down brake. Water tank at front with  level gauge, working electric headlight mounted thereon.\u003c\/p\u003e    \u003cp align=\"left\"\u003eThe engine was finished in 2002 but only steamed once - the  builder moved out of 7 1\/4 inch gauge completely and into 16mm, which he found a  more manageable size. The standard of fit, finish and detailing is excellent and  includes a stainless steel ball valve regulator, commercial boiler fittings,  beautifully planked out seat and toolbox with brass cleading, wood-lagged  cylinders and oiling points at all vital areas.\u003c\/p\u003e    \u003cp align=\"left\"\u003eRunning it on the line here, I was surprised at how quick and  quiet it is. I had half expected a crawling pace with much clanking and  thrashing of chains, instead, once under way, there is just a distinctive  putter-putter from the exhaust and remarkably swift progress. Whilst everything  works and it stops and goes as intended, by the builder's own admission there is  further tuning to be done - in particular the reverser valve could use a better  sealing arrangement, ditto the cylinders on their port faces. I don't think  these are insurmountable engineering challenges, the standard of engineering and  performance of the engine in its current state would more than warrant the  effort.\u003c\/p\u003e    \u003cp align=\"left\"\u003eHaving spent a pleasant afternoon running about with the big  ballast truck coupled on, Sam discovered that, with careful positioning of his  feet, it is possible to ride on rather than behind the engine. I've had a go as  well - with my size feet it's more of a challenge, but the weight of the engine  makes sitting on the rear bunker a distinct possibility. With the addition of a  clip-on seat, as fitted to larger traction engine models, and a pair of  footpegs, it would be quite practical to drive \"from the footplate\" as  it were.\u003c\/p\u003e    \u003cp align=\"left\"\u003eLength50 inches\u003cbr\u003e  Height 38 inches\u003cbr\u003e  Width 20 inches\u003cbr\u003e  Weight approx 4 cwt\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp align=\"center\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Station Road Steam","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54009803243861,"sku":"3130","price":3750.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1023\/0094\/2677\/files\/3130-1.webp?v=1779899265","url":"https:\/\/stationroadsteam.com\/products\/7-14-inch-gauge-vertical-boiler-0-4-0-stock-code-3130","provider":"Station Road Steam","version":"1.0","type":"link"}