Sold May 2004 Back to Archive

One of the nicest traction engines I've ever bought and certainly the finest Foster of all the four inch scale engines I've owned.

Built using the Live Steam Models design and castings, the engine was beautifully built before being professionally painted and lined. It has spent the last ten years in a centrally heated workshop, has been carefully used and is in first class order both mechanically and cosmetically. The steel boiler was retubed by Live Steam Models two years ago and is in excellent order.

Steel boiler with expanded-in steel tubes, fusible plug in firebox, water gauge with glass protector. Feed by injector and mechanical pump with bypass - there is a steam-operated water lifter with hose mounted on the tender. Twin Ramsbottom safety valves. Single cylinder with slide valve, actuated by Stephenson's valve gear, mechanical lubricator and governor.

The engines has rubber tyres which both gear it up a little from standard and also make for a very quiet, comfortable ride on the road. Usual axle-mounted winch on the nearside, with steel cable and tender-mounted fairleads.

There is an upholstered tender-mounted driving seat with footpegs which hooks over the back of the tender and engages with the drawbar, making for a very secure fixing.

The four inch Foster is a large, powerful engine which is easy to fire and drive - Live Steam Models claim it will pull seven tons on the level. The paintwork and overall finish of the engine is well-executed, but more importantly just right for an agricultural engine without fussy picking out of detail or over-polished bits that were only ever painted on the full size engines. You've guessed it, I like this engine (and think I should really sell my four inch Scenic Showmans and keep this one!). Pretty much as close as you will get to buying a brand new engine without commissioning someone to build you one.

Length 72 inches Weight 8 1/2 cwt