Description
Peckett & Sons of Bristol had long been renowned for producing industrial tank engines, many of them small saddle tanks, and the ‘Cranmore’ type had its origins in an 0-4-0 saddle tank version of the special 7×10” cylinder design, Works No.1030 of 1904 Gamecock which would be later be referred to as a ‘Cranmore Class’. The order was placed by the Mendip Granite & Ashphalte Co. for its 2’ gauge line connecting the quarry to Cranmore Station on the GWR and after its career there it was scrapped, although it is not known when. Small numbers of this type continued to be built, mainly for export and one (Works No. 1711 of 1926) was bought by the Metropolitan Gas Co., Melbourne, Australia, named Sir John Grice in 1928. Withdrawn in 1941 it was sold in 1962, joining the Whistle Stop Amusement Park, Frankston in 1965. The 2’ 6” gauge locomotive later moved to the Puffing Billy Railway in 1974 as a static exhibit but restoration started in 1978 and it was returned to service in 1981 painted light green with yellow lining.
The model is gauge-adjustable (32mm and 45mm), gas-fired and fitted with a water top up valve (hidden under the tank filler), water gauge with blow-down valve, lubricator and pressure gauge; constructed of stainless steel and etched brass with a copper boiler, the model will, as usual, be covered by a two-year warranty. The anticipated UK RRP is £1595.00 (for pre-orders, subject to the usual provisos), available Q1 2022. We would like to thank David Fletcher for his superb drawings, illustrating the livery options. In response to customer requests, we will be supplying the model with two domes, the factory original (ogee) pattern and the simpler Australian type. The locomotive is fitted Accucraft chopper couplings.
Specifications:
Scale: 16mm to 1 foot (1:19)
Gauge: 32mm or 45mm (adjustable)
Length: 196mm
Width: 100mm
Height: 136mm
Boiler: Centre Flue
Working Pressure: 60psi
Weight: TBC
Minimum Radius: 600mm (2 feet)
Reversing Gear: Piston type, reverse by lever in the cab
Valve Gear: Simulated Stephenson’s link
Fuel: Butane Gas
Boiler Fittings: Safety valve, pressure gauge, water gauge with blow-down valve
Cab Controls: Steam regulator, gas regulator, reverse lever, lubricator
Sir John Grice nameplates (supplied loose)
