Harvey Watkins is a cottage industry builder based in Gloucestershire, England. His trademark is using Roundhouse cylinders and motion as a base upon which to build a semi-scale superstructure, and he is perhaps best known for his models of the Darjeeling North British locos in 16mm scale.

This model brings the total number of live-steam models available commercially for7/8” scale up to three; however, what sets this model apart from the others is that it is the first model of an 18” gauge prototype as opposed to two-foot/60cm.

The Waril's were developed during WW1 for the UK Military 18” gauge lines from a slightly smaller engine built for the John Knowles Company, who had a small network of 18” and standard gauge lines supporting their clay workings in Derbyshire, England. This original engine, “Jack”, was eventually joined by a slightly larger sister, “Gwen”, which was similar in size to the Waril's. However, both the John Knowles engines were coal fired, whereas the Waril's were oil fired.

This is not a rivet-counter’s model, and does not pretend to be; it is a semi-scale model designed for frequent, easy use with low maintenance. It can be specified to come with a variety of different fittings and paint schemes, to represent either “Esme” from the Sand Hutton Estate railway, or “Gwen” from the John Knowles line.

Based upon Roundhouse running gear and general design aims, it is Butane fired with the tank carefully sized to ensure that the gas runs out before the water. The engine is only supplied as a “manual” engine. All controls are conveniently located in the cab, and thoughtful design ensures that changing or cleaning the gas jet is an easy task.

It would not be appropriate to go into a full description of how to prepare or operate the engine here, as the model comes with comprehensive and well-written instructions. I will however put down a few observations for those already familiar with live steam operations.

Most of my runs so far have been in temperatures ranging from 0 to +6 degrees Celsius (the model arrived early in the new year). The boiler does not have a “wrapper” around it, and the gas tank is in a fairly exposed position under the cab roof. In these colder temperatures, it is worth preparing the engine indoors and fuelling it from a butane can that has been allowed to reach room temperature.

Once placed on the track operation is on a par with a typical Roundhouse model, and in the cold temperatures we have been having here in Aberdeen the gas will supply enough heat for about 15 - 20 minutes of running. Based on this experience, I would expect to be achieving runs of 25 minutes during the summer months.

In summary, this is a very attractive and well engineered loco, which with it’s “Roundhouse” characteristics is capable of daily running with little maintenance other than wiping down after a run and oiling the motion occasionally. It appears entirely suitable for beginners, and I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending the model.

Peter Bakke