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Whilst cosmetically tired and needing various minor jobs doing, we were surprised at just how well it goes. Injectors pick up beautifully; safety valves open at 100psi and shut with a satisfying "plop" at 95psi; it pulls with a most enthusiastic bark - it's even got a good chime whistle!

A 7 1/4 inch gauge Baldwin 2-4-2T "Lyn", the original built for the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway in 1898 when Manning Wardle, who had supplied the first three locomotives for the railway's opening that year were unable to supply a fourth engine due to a general strike.

Built from a Winson kit - the company produced ten back in the late 1990s - this engine has been in use until recently on a miniature railway at a preserved line in Wiltshire. It came in last year as part exchange against a standard gauge Great Western engine

The original Winson boiler has had new tubeplates and set of tubes in the past - the originals were welded in which made retubing a major job (hence the new tubeplates). With the new tubes expanded in - and still in good condition - retubing next time round will be straightforward.

We think there's a lot of potential in this one. Boiler is sound, the engine steams freely and runs well - there's some video of Connor having a run up and down the yard yesterday here.

The original Winson design is highly amenable to additional detailing (glazing the cab would make a world of difference). A repaint into lined Southern livery - like the recently-completed full-size replica - would make for a large, very attractive locomotive.