Sold May 2022 Back to Archive

A 5 inch gauge Andrew Barclay 0-4-0WT - no idea why more of these aren't built, this is the first one we've ever had, in any gauge; we think it's a super looking design!

The original locomotive was built in 1918 and spent much of its working life with the Airservice Construction Corps. After a period of storage in the late 1940s it was sold before, in 1953, being presented to the Talyllyn Railway, entering service as their No.6, "Douglas" - it runs there to this day.

The work of an experienced engineer who built standard and narrow gauge locomotives as well as stationary engines and boilers, he had several articles published over the years in "Model Enginer".

The engine has come to us from the builder's family - unused in some years, it arrived with a large Yarrow boiler steam plant and "narrow gauge" take on a Tich which sold back in March.

A good deal of trouble has been taken to make an accurate model, from the distinctive smokebox saddle and firebox cladding to the wheel valve clacks, triple drain cocks and nameplate just fitting the lower cab, crossing the lining where it's mounted - all details seen on the preserved locomotive.

Boiler has had recent hydraulic test at twice working pressure with no sign of leak or deflection - we would warranty as sound, however it will require lifting from the frames for a cladding off inspection before certification.

The engine steams freely and ran well on the rolling road, running for an extended period without recourse to blower and economic in its use of water - there's some video of it here.

Both injectors and the crosshead pump are reliable and more than keep up with the boiler - the injector clacks are of the bobbin type, fitted with O-rings which work well. The safety valves, conversely, don't - both accumulate and require either servicing or replacement.

There was some wear noted in the coupling rod bushes, connecting rods were ok.

Paintwork is "working clothes" - given the rarity of the model, it would amply repay stripping and repainting.