SE&CR Rly No. 735

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This G2 beauty came to me by auction a few months back:



Notice the aluminium casting, which comprises the footplate and frames in one piece. This, and the brass wheels, point to the possibility of a connection with the Southwark Engineering Works who built model locomotives before the Great War. Adam Goodyear discovered that another London firm, Whitney, took over some of the Southwark stock after the war and that their advertisement included details of an SE&CR loco, No. 735. Here's a picture of No. 735, taken from a postcard:


There is a strong resemblance, although the model boiler is bigger and the chimney shorter. I believe there is little doubt that the model represents this locomotive. Here's Whitney's advertisment, kindly provided by Adam:



Here's the text:



Note how they specify aluminium frames and brass wheels, a fairly unusual combination in model locomotives. Although there might have been other suppliers using the same materials (Carson used aluminium for instance) the co-incidence of them offering a model of No. 735 seem just too strong.

The model uses Whitworth threads and is built slightly over gauge at at 2.02". That's good enough for tinplate track, but just too wide for Bassett Lowke 'Scale' permanent way.

 

 

The wheels are cast brass and the cab and splashers are cast aluminium. The frames and footplate are also a one piece casting of very fine quality. You can see the fineness of the frame casting in this view, which also shows the over gauge back - to - back:

 

 

Despite being complete with burner (a total rarity with these models!), it's not likely to see a flame because the boiler is soft soldered. And there's no evidence it ever has been lit. Added to which, forcing the wheels into gauge would be difficult because of the one piece cast frames which leave little room for sideplay.

 

 

Of course, it might be a modern restoration. But the paint finish has a crocodile patina and there's no evidence of it ever having been dismantled. Just look at the slots in the Whitworth screws - no evidence of modern screwdrivers, etc.. If it has been restored, then hats off to the restorer!

 

Fortunately the model has it's own glass case, expertly made and probably original, and there it's likely to stay. For the time being...

 




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