Sold March 2025 Back to Archive

5 inch gauge Midland 4-4-0 - stock code 9879

We last sold this one back in 2022 - meticulously looked-after as a capable club performer in the intervening years, it's been traded back in against a 7 1/4 inch gauge BR Class 2.

We've issued new hydraulic and steam certificates; in good condition throughout, the engine is offered with full certification, 12 months warranty, set of firing irons and a starter kit of coal and oil.

The photographs opposite were taken in 2022, the video below earlier this week.

We would be more than happy to give half a day's instruction on the steaming, running and disposal of the engine to a new owner if required.

A recently completed 5 inch gauge Midland 4P; the work of a highly experienced builder, the man responsible for - among many other engines - the fine rebuilt Royal Scot "Sherwood Forester" we sold recently.

Starting with a boiler to LBSC's "Maid of Kent" design, the build progressed with reference to LBSC's drawings, but with modifications to the valve gear for improved running and much detail work to make the thing closer to the intended prototype.

Expansion links are to the correct centre-suspended design, with parallel valve guides - the engine steams freely and runs very well.

There are lots of small details designed to make operating and maintaining the engine easy - we like the large capacity lubricator, pump bypass valve disguised as a tender vent and integral tender overflow pipe exiting between the frames meaning it's impossible to overfill the tender and soak your coal.

Cosmetic detailing includes dummy caliper brakes, mechanical lubricators and vacuum ejector with pipework. Backhead is well laid out and includes a lubricator/valve chest pressure gauge.

In as-new condition, the engine has been steamed three times - including once here for its recent boiler test - and comes complete with new certification along with original club paperwork.

gauge 5 inch
length/inches 36+24
width/inches 9 1/2
height/inches 14
wheel material cast iron
axlebox type plain bearing
cylinder material cast iron
valve type slide
valve gear Stephensons
reverser type pole
lubricator type mechanical
injector(s) 1
boiler number N73-80-55
boiler maker Ellis
working pressure/psi 80
boiler type locomotive
boiler material copper
boiler construction silver soldered
hydraulic test valid to 24/Feb/2029
steam test valid to 26/Apr/2026
safety valve(s) 2
safety valve type spring
mechanical pump 1
hand pump 1
whistle yes