Sold May 2021 Back to Archive

The work of an experienced model engineer, although this was the only traction engine he built, his other models being locomotives. On his demise the whole collection was left in a shed under less than ideal conditions; damp has taken its toll, much of the brightwork is covered in a light coating of surface rust - not yet deeply pitted, most could be removed with Scotchbrite.

In the main the engine has been well made - despite appearances it turns over very smoothly and runs on air in both directions. Machining is well done, fit of the motionwork and valve gear good.

Not quite sure what the builder had in mind when it got to the boiler, but it was certainly something different to what Mr Plastow envisaged. Flanged and rivetted, with pressurised hornplates and expanded tubes - at first glance one might imagine the work of somebody trying to produce something closer to prototype practice.

However, it has a small number of large diameter flue tubes, into which have been fitted sheet metal "feathers" to effectively split the tube in half down the middle in an effort, we suspect, to increase gas velocity.

Fabricated from a veritable pot-pourri of materials and jointing techniques, construction features copper, steel, stainless steel, welding and calked nuts in the firebox. Enough to make any boiler inspector run a mile...