This is I believe, a pre-production sample of a Loveless A4. No opening smokebox door (in my opinion a gimmick which required over-scale hinges, so no loss there) and no DCC. It still has its original inner and outer cardboard boxes. But when taken in part exchange it had damage and missing parts. Fortunately the baked-on cellulose paint is still in good condition. Damage consisted of the tender being dropped to bend a couple of rear steps (easily reshaped) and damage to the corridor connection (well repaired now, but not so easily). The join between the green streamlined casing and the black running plate over the driving wheels had broken on one side (now repaired with epoxy resin, clamped together for 24 hours and any excess glue on the top face cleaned away). Missing parts were a couple of cab handrails (easily replaced) and a tender brake pull rod. I have also added cylinder blow down pipework and the cab window cinder guards. On the track she runs just like any other Loveless A4…..superbly.
A risky acquisition that has paid off handsomely. Isn’t see a beauty? A good friend, who already owns two other bird A4’s had no hesitation in making an offer (a Klondyke that will be gracing these pages soon) that I couldn’t refuse.