“Lucy” 7¼-Inch Gauge Tinkerbell-Class 0-4-2 Steam Locomotive

History of the loco

Lucy was originally built in 1991 by 'Jeff Stubbs of Wakefield' and operated at Thornes Park Railway. Period footage shows Jeff driving the locomotive shortly after its construction:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO64N_xM0qY

The locomotive was originally fitted with a marine-type boiler, as shown in the video. In 2003, the present locomotive-type boiler was installed and Lucy underwent a substantial rebuild. Some original features were retained, although the smokebox was altered and the boiler appears to have been raised to provide space for an ashpan.

Lucy later moved to the '*Mortocombe Railway at Chilton Garden Centre', where she was renamed "Meconopsis" and painted dark blue. Footage from this period can be viewed here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmElU0Z5aqs

 

 

Recent Rebuild and Improvements

When we first tested the locomotive approximately four years ago, we found her to be very light at the front, giving her a tendency to derail. The historically enclosed and extremely cramped cab also meant that only smaller, slimly built drivers could operate her comfortably. This may explain why particularly large derailing bars had previously been fitted.

As these issues persisted, we stripped the locomotive back to the frames for a thorough examination and programme of improvements. Work undertaken included:

* Completely rebuilding the copper-lined water tanks, which had suffered significant leaks in the past

* Installing an enclosed ashpan with a damper

* Removing the steam brake; this is included with the locomotive should the new owner wish to refit it, although we prefer the screw handbrake

* Replacing the main driving-axle springs with much stronger die springs

* Correcting timing issues and attending to loose bushes

* Adding further lubrication points

* Adding a second water filler to the right-hand tank

* Adding weight to the front buffer beam and beneath the smokebox

* Rerouting the vacuum ejector exhaust so that it now exits through the chimney

* Replacing the gauge frame and fitting a gauge-glass protector

* Installing more appropriate brass pressure and vacuum gauges

* Rerouting the pipework to improve its appearance

* Modifying the firehole door and secondary-air arrangements

* Providing coal storage beneath the driver’s seat; previously, the driver had to return to a bucket at the station, as no coal was stored on the locomotive

* Enlarging the footwell so that drivers with size-eight boots or larger can comfortably position their feet

* Modifying the derailing bars so that they are inset beneath the locomotive rather than projecting beyond the front

* Cutting down and altering the cab to provide considerably more room for the driver

* Modifying the rear trailing axle so that it is better positioned beneath the driver

* Fitting new cast-iron piston rings to both pistons, together with fresh gland packing

All of the above modifications have transformed the driving experience. Lucy is now very comfortable to operate, making it possible to spend a complete day at the controls and still look forward to the next one.

 

 

Present Condition

Lucy has been extensively tested and developed. She has changed from a locomotive that worked but was challenging to drive into one that is straightforward to operate, maintain and live with.

She would be equally at home on a private estate railway, at a club or in commercial service.

As testing has continued, we have identified a few minor points that could be improved by the next owner:

* We have experienced occasional problems with the mechanical lubricator. If we intended to operate the locomotive regularly, we would consider replacing it with a modern, readily available unit.

* Some of the cylinder gaskets are older and may benefit from replacement in due course. Those requiring immediate attention have already been renewed.

These points have been stated openly so that prospective buyers have an accurate understanding of the locomotive.

 

 

Appearance and Original Features

Lucy is currently finished in hard-wearing matt-black engineering paint. We had hoped eventually to return her to the LNER apple-green livery she carried when first built.

The locomotive has also regained her original name, **Lucy**. The present nameplates are 3D printed but would make excellent patterns for producing sand-cast brass replacements.

A new dome has recently been fitted after the previous one was damaged. The original brass chimney cap was also damaged but has been professionally repaired. It retains a slight irregularity in its shape, which we consider part of the locomotive’s working history and character.

 

 

Equipment and Specification

Lucy is fitted with:

* 0-4-2 wheel arrangement

* Twin injectors

* Twin safety valves

* Large and suitably loud whistle

* Vacuum brake control for the train; the vacuum brake does not act on the locomotive itself

* Snifting valve on each cylinder

* Mechanical lubricator

* Mechanical cylinder drain cocks

* Cast-iron cylinders, 2½-inch diameter

* Easily connected compressed-air supply for the blower

* Large removable grate

* Gauge-glass protector

* Try-cock gauge frame

* Screw handbrake

* Commercially manufactured steel boiler with expanded tubes, built by Bell Boilers

* Specified working pressure of 100 psi

* 7¼ Inch Gauge Society narrow-gauge wheel profile

A shovel and poker are included.

Boiler Certification

Lucy has a current commercial boiler certificate issued by Full Steam Ahead — Lee Betteridge.

Tested: 1 June 2026

Certificate valid until: 1 June 2027

Most recent cladding-off inspection: 21 March 2024

 

 

Viewing, Testing and Delivery

The locomotive is available to view at Miniature Railway Workshop by prior appointment.

Viewing is required before purchase. Test steamings can be arranged, although we do not have a full railway at the workshop and testing would therefore be limited to a very short section of track.

Recent footage of Lucy running during two days at PECO can be viewed here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Inht-YQ3ohY

Further running footage is available upon request.

Delivery can be arranged to any part of the UK or worldwide at additional cost.

 

 

Reason for Sale:

We originally purchased Lucy intending to return her to working order after she had spent many years out of use. We achieved that goal but then rather fell in love with the locomotive and enjoyed several happy years of steaming her.

With new projects now arriving at the workshop, we feel it is time to pass Lucy to a new owner who can give her the regular use she deserves.

 

Price: £18,500 - No VAT

 

Viewing by prior appointment at Miniature Railway Workshop.

To get in touch with any questions or to arrange a viewing, please contact us:

Phone: +44 (0)7591 006642

Email: miniaturerailwayworkshop@gmail.com