Sold April 2024 Back to Archive

7 1/4 inch narrow gauge Bagnall 0-4-0ST - stock code 11730

We first bought this engine some years ago - an otherwise well-built machine, the only thing that puzzled us was it's distinctly lack-lustre valve events (with an almost total inability to run in reverse).

After a morning with his ruler and calculator, Connor sawed the vibrating links in half, shortening them fairly drastically before welding them back together. An hour later saw the engine in steam, running like had never run before and sounding lovely (it still does - see below). The old links removed, another hour on the machining centre saw a new pair made to the correct dimensions and fitted.

At that time the engine took the fancy of a long time customer of ours, a narrow gauge enthusiast to the core, a man with a jewel of a railway running around his garden.

Motive power over the years has come and gone, although usually features at least one, and often two SRS engines, either Staffords or Feldbahns - obviously a man of impeccable taste and discernment (he also has a good 6 inch scale traction engine and some interesting vintage cars in his collection).

Before delivery we stripped, repainted and lined the Bagnall to his specification, as seen here. It's recently come back with two other narrow gauge locomotives in part exchange for a fine Manning Wardle.

The boiler has had hydraulic and steam tests with new certification issued - we re-tubed it in December 2022, since when it has had little use.

The engine is a delight to drive, pulling strongly with well-defined, square exhaust beats, the matching ride on tender giving a comfortable driving position.

Offered complete with firing irons, a starter kit of coal and oil, and 12 months warranty. We would be more than happy to give half a day's instruction on the steaming, running and disposal of the locomotive to a new owner if required.

gauge 7 1/4 inch gauge
length/inches 53 +33
width/inches 20
height/inches 38
weight/kg 260 + 60
wheel material cast iron
axlebox type plain bearing
cylinder material cast iron
valve type slide
valve gear Hackworth
reverser type pole
lubricator type mechanical
injector(s) 1
boiler number 210
CE mark n/a - non-commercial
working pressure/psi 85
boiler type marine
boiler material steel
boiler construction welded, expanded tubes
hydraulic test valid to 12-Dec-2025
steam test valid to 3-Mar-2025
safety valve(s) 2
safety valve type pop
mechanical pump 1
whistle yes