Sold March 2004 Back to Archive

I have great regard for Jack Buckler's "Sweet Pea" design - I've had several specimens come through my hands - they are robust, easy to work on and always go well. After the success of the design in 5 inch gauge, the brothers Buckler came up with "Sweet Violet" a 3 1/2 inch gauge version and "Sweet William", a very chunky 7 1/4 gauge engine.

Built in 1994, this engine has been made to a workmanlike rather than exhibition standard with paintwork to suit. Steel marine-type boiler with welded-in tubes, fed by twin axle-pumps, injector and auxiliary hand pump beneath the footplate. Slide valve cylinders with Hackworth valve gear, twin mechanical lubricators, cab-operated drain cocks.

I do not intend to make a habit of photographing engines on the pickup, but the day this one arrived there was literally no room anywhere to forklift it off to.

Club certificate to May 2004.

Length 48 inches
Weight approx 400 pounds