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7 1/4 inch narrow gauge vertical boiler 0-4-2 - stock code 7323

A large, 7 1/4 inch narrow gauge vertical boiler 0-4-2 - extensively reworked and reboilered early in its life by the estimable Mr Nemeth at his legendary Severn Beach Works. It came in to us last year in part exchange for a very large (think two 9Fs plus a sack of potatoes) 5 inch gauge locomotive, a sort of side-sizing for the owner.

Welded steel vertical boiler with expanded tubes, 90psi working pressure. Feed by injector and mechanical pump, driven from the crankshaft. Three cock water gauge with protector. Ramsbottom type safety valve. Twin cylinder vertical engine with slide valves actuated by Stephenson's gear, pole reverser on the footplate. Mechanical lubricator.

The engine is vacuum braked, with ejector, gauge and driver's brake valve. Water is carried in a custom-built, heavy duty welded plastic tank at the front.

A thoroughly well-sorted machine - we had this one out on our portable track yesterday afternoon and all had a go up and down on it. It runs very quietly, pulls well in both directions and keeps itself in steam and water with minimal attention - there's a short clip of it here. It's big enough to be comfortable on for extended periods (even for those of us well over six foot), exhaust beats are clear and even, there's a nice-sounding chime whistle.

Could have hours of fun with this one, if only we hadn't spent last year dismantling the 7 1/4 inch gauge railway at home...

gauge 7 1/4 inch
injector(s) 1
boiler number FB408
CE mark yes
working pressure/psi 90
boiler type vertical
boiler material steel
boiler construction welded, expanded tubes
safety valve(s) 2
safety valve type spring
mechanical pump 1
whistle yes