Sold April 2012 Back to Archive

7 1/4 inch gauge LMS Black 5 - stock code 5378

A particularly well made LMS Black 5 to Martin Evans' well-regarded "Highlander" design.

Silver soldered copper boiler by Swindon, 100psi working pressure, feed by twin injectors, fusible plug fitted. Twin soft-pop safety valves to the Gordon Smith design. Four radiant superheaters. Cast iron cylinders with piston valves actuated by Walschaert's gear with screw reverer in cab. The locomotive is fitted with an effective steam brake, acuated by a lever in the cab floor. Twin mechanical lubricators are fitted, all axleboxes are remotely fed from oil trays mounted on the running boards.

The engine has been carefully used and maintained by an experienced engineer who has produced a thoroughly well-sorted engine - it runs very quietly, notches up virtually to mid gear in both directions with dead square exhaust beats. There are many small detail modifications which go to make running and maintenance easier, from captive spindle steam valves to a cab which, by the removal of four screws, can be lifted clear for maintenance. Most of the split pins in the motion have been replaced by taper pins, which I suspect contributes greatly to the quiet running - if you look at the clip of the engine running in the workshop here, the radius rod lifting arm is absolutely motionless even with the engine running at speed.

The livery is authentic for 5440 which was shedded at Bath Green Park in 1938 - it stayed there until 1958 when it was replaced by one of a batch of the then new Standard Class 5s. Paintwork is generally good, with a "working" patina.

If you need more information on this one, give me a call - I would be very happy to put it in steam if you want to see it running. Complete with a folder of history, notes and a set of drawings.

Length
Locomotive 62 inches
Tender 37 inches

Weight approx 1/4 ton

gauge 7 1/4 inch