CALDEWELL PERSHORE ROAD STOULTON WORCESTER WR7 4 RL

TEL & FAX 01905 840894

http://home.clara.net/westcott/stolen.htm

RECOVERED

England

Almost new 7¼” gauge 1/3 scale Hunslet narrow gauge slate quarry type 0-4-0 saddle tank steam locomotive (not tender). Painted royal maroon with black edging and fine orange line. Brass name plates ALICE fitted to saddle tank. Brass replica builders plates “Hunslet Engine Company, Leeds 678/1898” fitted to cab sides.

The model is based on standard Milner castings and drawings with a John Ellis copper boiler. There are a number of features which (unless changed) would make it distinctive to any model engineer who might see or be offered such a locomotive:-

1. The saddle tank is copper (rather than aluminium as standard).
2. The smokebox is stainless rather than mild steel. Presumably a magnet may therefore not be attracted to it.
3. Two circular holes in the front buffer beam for cylinder access.
4. Dumb wooden buffers at the front are faced with stainless steel
5. The steam valves are all stainless steel
6. A mechanical lubricator (lid missing) is fitted between the frames in front of the smokebox but not connected to the steam chests
7. 2 brass displacement lubricators (not in photograph) are fitted either side of the front of the saddle tank connected to steam chests
8. The whistle valve is ex BR shunter and therefore very over scale
9. The damper has a crude counterbalance weight welded on
10. Two 3-cock water gauges, two injectors, vacuum brake fittings (with gauge) and steam brakes (green valve handle) are fitted
11. Worcester type ball valves are fitted for blowdown and as tank and tender water valves for RH injector
12. Brake rigging (especially rear stretcher) is probably damaged
13. Steel (not cast iron) wheels

If you become aware of anybody trying to dispose of a locomotive or parts with matching, or similar, characteristics (remembering that plates and colour can be altered relatively easily) or if you are asked to make or supply parts for a similar engine please contact your local police immediately or phone Hereford Police on 01432-276422 quoting Crime No.22EB-51077T-98. Ask for the Crime Desk.

As this is the second 7¼” gauge locomotive to be stolen in 5 weeks from this area (together with a stationary engine from a local Museum) all model engineers in the South/West Midlands and Wales should certainly be on guard. Take the number of any suspicious large vans or pick-ups near your property. Up to 4 people may be involved.

Any help you may be able to give will obviously be much appreciated and may prevent you or your colleagues suffering such a distressing experience.

A REWARD OF UP TO £1000 IS BEING OFFERED FOR POSITIVE INFORMATION WHICH DIRECTLY LEADS TO THE RETURN OF BOTH THESE LOCOMOTIVES AND THE CONVICTION OF THOSE INVOLVED.

John L.Townsend, The Froome, Priors Frome, Dormington, Hereford HR1 4EH
Telephone 01432-850477

John_Townsend@gulf.ca

A 1" scale model traction engine to the "Minnie" design, finished in maroon and black livery. One unusual feature is that the safety valve top strap was paint finished rather than being left bright. The engine had only run on compressed air.