This Romulus locomotive, Auld Reekie, in 7 1/4in gauge was built by Robert Scales and his father, intermittently over a period of 15 years. It was completed in December 2008 and exhibited at the Harrogate exhibition in 2009.

The original design was by Roger Marsh, and Robert made some changes to the Hackworth valve gear by adding a weigh shaft attached to the rear axle boxes, enabling a full coil spring suspension to be incorporated. Lengthened expansion links were made from solid cast iron, and die blocks from aluminium bronze. Axle boxes are force lubricated from an oil gun via flexible copper tubes.

Robert’s father produced the castings from his own patterns. Substantial frames of 5/16in thickness were flame cut before machining, and RSJ material was used for the frame stretchers. The steel boiler was prepared by Robert using traceable materials, for welding by a professional welder friend. Boiler tubes were rolled into reamed holes. The external regulator is to Robert’s design and uses a rotating stainless steel cylinder against a PTFE seat to give a full flow 3/8in dia bore, matching the main steam pipe.

The excellent paint job was by Mr R Falconer, in GWR style, just the way the Scales wanted it. The cab and tanks were to Talyllyn No 7 style, made from laser cut brass and steel with tabs and slots, assembled using bolts and structural epoxy resin.