A 5 inch gauge LNWR 2-4-0, based on LBSC's 3 1/2 inch gauge "Mabel", the last design penned by the great man. As is often the case, this engine has had a least two sets of hands working on it, the first more capable by some margin than the second. Hence the rolling chassis is well put together and turns over freely. Gun metal cylinders with slide valves actuated by Stephenson's valve gear with screw reverser in cab, mechanical lubricator behind front buffer beam, crosshead pump. The boiler is fully assembled and screwed together awaiting soldering, complete with tubes and foundation ring.
Upstairs it all goes horribly wrong. A set of buffers have been nailed on the back, which whilst being quicker to make than the tender, don't help much with provision for water. Chimney is horrible (the more so give than the correct LNWR type looks so handsome), sandboxes are wooden, cab is agricultural.
Length 30 inches
gauge | 5 inch |