I rarely get either steam or electric locomotives by Maxitrak, although when I do they invariably work well. I think most owners know when they're onto a good thing and hang onto them! This engine came in a couple of years ago and was immediately claimed by No.2 son, Jack. He was at an age and stage where steam was still a bit hot and fiddly to work, this fitted the bill perfectly. Those who came to the open day last year may remember it trundling up and down all day with a constant stream of young passengers.

This engine is in good working order, it will run about all day on a charge of the battery. It has the optional remote control box, which makes driving very comfortable, and the original instruction manual. The dashboard in the cab has a forward/reverse switch and hooter button. There is a master power switch discreetly hidden away under the back buffer beam, which took Jack at least ten minutes to discover. One or two "blobs & gadgets" have gone missing over the years, including one handrail and the nut that holds the "bonnet" down, but nothing that couldn't be cheaply and easily replaced if so desired.

If collected, you are welcome to have the battery we bought for it - it's a Ford Fiesta one costing about £25 from your local car shop - but I can't send it by our courier, who has rules and regulations about things full of acid.

The decision to go 7 1/4 inch gauge for the new garden railway is proving more expensive than I thought. Having lost Sam's Juliet in the break-in, we've acquired a Hunslet for him to renovate and use. Jack, ever the diehard diesel fan, is now the proud owner of a rather superior petrol hydraulic.

Length 24 inches