Sold February 2025 Back to Archive

5 inch gauge GWR 28XX 2-8-0 - stock code 12644

A 5 inch gauge GWR 28XX 2-8-0, Churchward's heavy freight design introduced in 1905.

Something of a rare beast, the last 28XX we had sold way back in 2007 - there must be nearly as many full-sized examples preserved as there are models in this gauge!

Completed in recent years - the boiler dates from 2020 - the locomotive runs, it has had hydraulic and steam tests with new certification issued.

Offered as a "running restoration", it could be used as-is, although with a list of - mainly minor - jobs required to bring it up to scratch, including:

  • service safety valves - lift ok and don't accumulate, but don't shut reliably without encouragement
  • service RH injector water valve which leaks air, causing intermittent operation of that injector
  • replace missing water gauge blowdown handle
  • regulator handle currently loosely fitted to enable it to clear valves, it needs a spacer making and fitting
  • service/replace automatic drain cocks which are unreliable
  • reset valves - the engine runs ok forwards, although with room for improvement; it has a dead spot in reverse
  • fit stiffer tender springs

Built to a pedestrian standard, although offering much potential for improvement. It steamed well on the rolling road, needing only light use of the blower; the left hand injector and hand pump both proved effective and reliable.

Complete with pair of purpose-built storage crates for locomotive and tender.


gauge 5 inch
length/inches 41 + 26
width/inches 9 1/2
height/inches 15
weight/kg 85
wheel material cast iron
axlebox type plain bearing
cylinder material cast iron
valve type slide
valve gear simplified walschaerts
reverser type pole
injector(s) 2
boiler number MWC 2808
year built 2020
boiler maker non-commercial
CE mark n/a - non-commercial
working pressure/psi 100
boiler type locomotive
boiler material copper
boiler construction silver soldered
hydraulic test valid to 5/Feb/29
steam test valid to 5/Apr/26
superheater(s) 4
superheater type flue tube
safety valve(s) 2
safety valve type spring
hand pump 1