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1/4 inch BSP fitting snifting valve, CNC machined from bronze with stainless steel ball. Fitted as standard to all our Clubman range of locomotives from Summer 2020, they will also fit all "Big Staffords" in 7 1/4 (FC7 - shown opposite) and 10 1/4 inch gauge.

Mounted on the valve chest cover, the snifting valve opens when the engine is coasting, breaking the vacuum which forms in the valve chest. Whilst allowing the engine to roll more freely when the regulator is closed, main function is to prevent ash from the smokebox being sucked back down the blast pipe and into the valve chest.

In use they perform - and sound - much like the full-sized versions. Gradually opening the regulator from standstill produces the familiar wisp of steam from the snifting valve until it pops shut. On the run, closing the regulator will cause the valve to open - as soon as the regulator is opened again the valve pops shut.

There's a video of a Feldbahn running here which shows the valves in action.

Priced per pair, including UK post and packing.

Note that to fit these to pre-2020 build Clubman range locomotives, the valve chest cover plug holes must be drilled and re-tapped to 1/4 BSP - alternatively we can supply latest specification covers and gaskets to suit.