Sold June 2007 Back to Archive

Having recently sung Ken Swan's praises with the "Jessie" that came in recently, a pair of "Wrens" have just arrived, designed by the same man. I think they make an ideal 7 1/4 inch gauge club engine - not so big that it's an HGV job to move them about, they are large enough to pull a useful load and, with a large, open cab, all the controls are easy to get at. Several examples of the original prototype survive (plus at least one "new build"), the Industrial Railway Record have published an article giving much detailed information about the class here.

Silver soldered copper boiler, working pressure 90psi, feed by injector and crosshead pump. Slide valve cylinders, Hackworth valve gear with pole reverser in cab. Mechanical lubricator on running board. Screw down brake operating on rear wheels.

A well-built engine, it has some nice extra features including vacuum brakes with gauge in the cab, steam chest pressure gauge and a very comfortable driving truck. It steams well running almost silently light engine, with a rather more determined bark when coupled up to our eight foot works bogie wagon.

Length:
Locomotive 42 inches
Tender 34 inches

Height 30 inches
Weight approx 4 cwt including tender