Bagnall Rheidol 2-4-0T

Bagnall 2-4-0T Rheidol. One of Archangel’s most successful models in the early days of 16mm scale, we are sure many associated with the hobby will have soft spot for this engine! Originally named Treze de Maio (Portuguese for 13th May, the date on which slavery was abolished in Brazil), the engine was built by Bagnalls of Stafford for Collier Antunes for a sugar cane plantation in 1896 but never delivered as the order was cancelled, instead the locomotive was re-gauged from 2’ 5 ½” gauge to 2’ 3” gauge when it was sold to the Plynlimon and Hafan Tramway and named Talybont. In 1903, after the failure of that railway, it was purchased for the construction of the Vale of Rheidol Railway, regauged to 1’ 11 ¾” and renamed Rheidol. Absorbed by the GWR in 1923 it was numbered it 1198, but it was withdrawn and scrapped the following year, having never carried its GWR number.  The model is gauge-adjustable (32mm and 45mm), gas-fired and fitted with a water top-up valve, water gauge with blow-down valve, lubricator and pressure gauge; constructed of stainless steel and etched brass with a copper boiler.