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7 1/4 inch gauge freelance Mogul "Bagheera" - stock code 8228

A freelance, bar-framed 7 1/4 inch Mogul, built for its owner as one of a batch of three by a friend of his - an experienced designer and engineer - in the 1990s.

Well proportioned, it is a nicely-built and well-sorted locomotive - it's been in regular club use until recently, although advancing years have meant the owner has increasingly concentrated on his live steam gauge 1 modelling.

The engine has been well maintained throughout its life - fit and finish of motionwork is very good and shows little sign of wear, paintwork is in good order. Fitted with vacuum brake equipment and a steam brake.

Valve gear is most unusual (I was about to say "possibly unique", although I'm sure the other two engines in the batch featured it as well) and elegantly conceived, with a sliding collar on the rear axle moving a drive block in the eccentric sheave, varying the throw of the eccentrics.

The designer obviously got something right with the gear - as far as valve events go, the engine runs beautifully with well-defined square beats. Under load, with its big wheels, I suspect it will sound spectacular!

Tender is equipped with footpegs and seat for driving.


gauge 7 1/4 inch
length/inches 42 + 26 1/2
width/inches 11
height/inches 18 1/2
wheel material cast iron
axlebox type plain bearing
cylinder material cast iron
valve type slide
reverser type pole
lubricator type mechanical
injector(s) 1
boiler number MGS96702
year built 1997
boiler maker M Saggers
CE mark n/a - non-commercial
working pressure/psi 80
boiler type locomotive
boiler material steel
boiler construction welded, expanded tubes
hydraulic test valid to 6-Nov-2020
superheater(s) 2
superheater type flue tube
safety valve(s) 2
safety valve type spring
mechanical pump 1 x axle
hand pump 1