7" (ish) Steam Omnibus

As much as we love the conventional miniatures getting something a bit different and unusual in is always fun and makes for an interesting afternoon, and this steam Omnibus certainly provided that!

Rather than sugar coating it lets start with the negatives, the wheels are horrendous and need replacement, the suspension is soft and ideally needs beefing up, the engine unit would benefit an overhaul namely new piston rings as they are blowing past quite badly, at the moment it will struggle to go up anything greater than a mole hill (engine overhaul would sort that) and finally like all unusual things beauty lies in the eye of the beholder!

Now for the good stuff! For someone with a bit of time this has the makings of a really enjoyable and sociable engine. The boiler unit, as you can see, is massive and she steams like a witch! Water feed is through an axle driven pump and a reliable steam injector, their is also pipework provision for a little steam pump if so desired. Safety valves are the commercial type and open and close cleanly. The boiler is currently out of ticket but previous reports are available and any inspection is welcome.

The builder clearly spent a lot of time when thinking of the practicalities of the body, the front doors have drop-down windows, the rear area has sliding air vents etc. A little feature we like is the drivers seat has a reversible back rest, so normal position for driving to the pub then when you get there flip it over so you can sit the other way and enjoy the company of your passengers. Inside their is plenty of head room, the driving position is actually pretty comfortable and all controls come easily to hand and gauges visible.

The engine unit is a twin cylinder and unusually has a steam reverse, as noted above we believe it would benefit a new set of rings. Once sorted though we expect it will be quite an impressive unit as even now it gets away okay and can get up to a good turn of speed. Being direct drive the future owner may want to consider a dog clutch type arrangement or even consider replacing the rear axle with a geared unit so the engine can be run when stationary.

Overall then what this engine offers is a large, sociable road engine, with plenty of space for the friends and family and all at the cost of a 3" Traction Engine. Yes its unusual and yes a bit of a project but I can guarantee once sorted everyone will want to have a go! This thing is just a proper bit of fun, everyone in the yard was smiling when it was in steam whether they were driving it, riding in the back or just watching it trundle around.

Part exchange of all steam and vintage vehicles considered where possible and we we would be happy to help with delivery if required. For further information or to arrange a viewing please do not hesitate to contact us,