In the autumn of 2004 I was lucky enough to acquire the loco that started my passion. A 3 1/2" GWR Bulldog built by the late Herbert Jackson who lived in the Watford area. The loco was built during the second world war and ran on a number of occasions at the Harrow and Wembley club between 1946 and 1970.
The Bulldog is unusual in that it was built with Joy valve gear rather than Stephensons link valve gear. This was done as an experiment and by all accounts was a success as his son recalls the loco pulling 10 people on one occasion and remembers other members of the society being very impressed with the locos performance.
I remeber as a young lad of about six years old spending ages staring at Herbert's locos, boats and models when we visited his family. One day, I told myself, I was going to build a steam engine too! After Herberts death the loco went on display at a museum in Watford where I stood for the best part of thirty years although I understand it was loaned for a short time to a model engineering society in the south of England. I struggled with the lighting and flash in these photos so I am planning a day outside in the summer when I can take some better shots.
I would love to hear from anyone who knew him, or remembers any of his locos. Herbert Jackson also built a 2 1/2" Royal Scot and was in the process of building a 5" Castle when he passed away. I believe the Castle was sold to a friend who finished building the loco although its whereabouts is no longer known to his family. If anyone can help me trace this loco I would be most grateful.
I would just like to add that 'Torquay' is not for sale. I have included the loco here in the hope that it might stir a few memories. The plan is to return 'Torquay' to steam as my next project once the 'Vale of Aylesbury' is complete. I hope to document the restoration on the website which I hope will be a little easier than freeing the valves either side of the water guage. These took about two months of daily applications of WD40 and some very sore fingers before the valves were gradually encouraged to move freely!.
