I always try hard not to oversell engines and get carried away when writing descriptions but with this engine all praise is justified, it is the best engine we have bought and one of the best we have seen on the rally field. Built in the Netherlands, she is named after Princess Maxima who is now the Dutch Queen.

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A scaled up and perfected version of the 4" Plastow design it was built using castings from the builders own patterns. 5" is rare scale, and this is the only road loco we know of. Being based on a large prototype the engine is similar in overall size to the 6" Garret 4CD tractor. It offers virtually all the benefits of a half size 3-Speed road loco but without the difficulties of transport as we estimate the weight to only be around 1300kg. On the road it flies along with minimal fuss, 12-14mph is a comfortable cruising speed without pushing it too hard. 

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The driving seat sits low down so you drive the engine looking under the canopy. Personally I prefer it to poking your head out of a hole as you get an almost full size experience seeing the motion spinning along with the added benefit of not getting covered in soot from the chimney. To ease driving the regulator rod has an extension which easily comes to hand. Should you want to fit a twin driving seat this would not be an issue as there is no chance of popping a wheelie even with two of the stoutest drivers at the controls.

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The engine is a true credit to both the builder and previous owner who has kept it in such great condition. Completed in 1992 the engine was driven around the builders house once and then kept as a static display for 20 years. It passed to the previous owner who as a professional engineer has been meticulous about maintenance, it runs beautifully with the only noticeable noise being the reversing lever latch clicking quietly in the quadrant. The level of detail is second to none; all studs are the same length, there are no long-tailed bolts and where possible all the bolt heads have been lined up.

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The boiler was built by the builder and comes with a folder full of paperwork including the approved boiler drawing, material certificates and welding approval information. Water feed is through a crankshaft driven pump and steam injector.  The engine has come from the Netherlands as such has Dutch steam tickets, we will be getting our independent inspector to hydraulic and steam test the engine as per UK requirements. 

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The lamps and all accessories seen on the engine are included in the sale as well as a set of firing irons. As with all our sales a full days tuition is included. 

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For more information please do not hesitate to get in touch, all full size and miniature steam engine part exchanges considered. 

 

This one is something rather special and I am sure any one who comes to see it will not be disappointed.

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