7 1/4 inch narrow gauge Tinkerbell 0-4-2T

Back in 2018 we bought a large garden railway along with its rolling stock and other equipment from a gentleman in the Midlands as, in retirement, he downsized his collection.

A picturesque line, it wound its way throughout substantial grounds, with a large multi-road engine shed and turntable at one end, a variety of interesting loops, cuttings and bridges on the main line.

In company with a couple of large battery electric locomotives and a tram, a Tinkerbell provided motive power for the line - at the time the steam locomotive was donated to the owner's club, who have used it since.

A combination of demanding public running, lack of experienced steam drivers and the need for an overhaul on the horizon has prompted its disposal to fund the purchase of a new diesel locomotive.

Very much in "working clothes", this is an engine that's worked hard for its living these last twenty-five years - the boiler is in its autumn years, the chassis coming up to needing a bottom end overhaul.

That said, the engine still runs beautifully - it's an absolute delight to drive, we all had a go with it last week when it was in steam. The valve events are good, the engine taking off with the regulator barely cracked open. Controls fall readily to hand in the cab, with the typical Tinkerbell feel of a small real engine rather than large model.

A large engine, at just under seven feet long and weighing in at around two thirds of a ton. It would make a worthwhile project, with the potential - overhauled and repainted - to produce a good example of this popular design.