Here we have a very cool toy. A 3 1/2" gauge 2-6-0 'Porter' locomotive made by OS, the extremely well respected Japanese manufacturer of model aero engines, and for a period from the 1980s to the early 2000s, manufacturer of very finely engineered miniature steam locos. We've had several locos made by OS come through the workshops over the last few years, and we think it's fair to say that there has never been a better engineered, higher quality live steam model commercially 'mass' produced. We say 'mass' in inverted commas because they were actually not produced in great numbers, nor were they available for a great length of time. They were expensive too, and when you look at the beautiful way they have been conceived, manufactured and finished, you can see why.
This model was assembled from the OS kit and placed upon static display having never been steamed. It is pretty much in as new condition, although it has obviously been allowed at some point in it's life to languish in a slightly damp environment as there is a minor degree of surface rust here and there which although it won't interfere at all with her operation or mechanical quality it detracts slightly from the brand new feel. It's only been steamed on a handfull of occasions, the first fire being here at Steam Workshop a year or so ago when we first commissioned it for the previous owner.
The boiler is a professional copper, solver soldered one, and can be given a complete 4 year hydraulic test. Lubrication is mechanical, and hidden neatly under a subtle plate on the front. All in all an absolute little cracker this, that makes us wish that OS were still doing what they were clearly exceptionally good at!
We've included a couple of superb little films here, not great quality we are afraid, but the original 1980s OS publicity films for the Porter locos. You can see both the loco in action, but also, in the second film, exactly how they came and were put together. A lovely insight into the model, and a fascinating dip into history.
As with most of our models, what you see isn't necessarily what you get! We often photograph models pretty much as they come in to us, and then when someone phones to say they are interested we pull the model into our workshops and make sure everything is tested, sorted and ready to go. So if you see the odd model photograph with a fitting missing or a return crank in the wrong place, that's just how it came in and certainly not how it will leave.
For any more information please don't hesitate to give us a bell on 07816 963463
£3750
