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7 1/4 inch gauge 0-6-0T "Sgt Murphy" - stock code 5824

A 7 1/4 inch gauge model of the Kerr Stuart 0-6-0T "Sgt Murphy", the original engine was built at the end of the First World to a Decauville design - it survives in preservation after a long peace time career, initially at the Penrhy quarries where it acquired an unfortunate reputation, turning over and killing its driver in 1932. The engine was rebuilt with the boiler 7 inches lower, which no doubt reduced its centre of gravity but in the process ruined its looks - the model is fortunately based on the original engine.

A large, robustly proportioned engine, "Sgt Murphy" has, in private ownership, been kept at Eastleigh Lakeside Railway in recent times - indeed it was public-hauling there one Saturday last month. Comprehensively overhauled three years ago, it had a largely new boiler and replacement cab - built more accurately to reflect the prototype - before being professionally painted and lined.

Steel boiler with expanded copper tubes, 90psi working pressure, feed by twin injectors. Cast iron cylinders with slide valves actuated by Walschaert's gear with pole reverser in cab. Sight feed lubricator with oil tank beneath footplate. Vacuum equipment for train braking. Compressed air fitting for blower when lighting up.

The engine goes very well - we had it running on the rolling road for the boiler inspector earlier in the week, there's a clip of it here. It has a potent-sounding exhaust with very crisp beats and a nice whistle (this from a man who usually loathes them on models).

This one would be ideal for commercial use or alternatively would look very pretty on a garden railway (particularly mine, I thought, but Mrs P's having none of it). Complete with a comfortable slate-wagon style driving truck.

Length 60 inches
Width 24 inches
Height 34 inches
Weight approx 1/2 ton

gauge 7 1/4 inch