7 1/4” gauge Duke of Gloucester Steam Test

A film showing our first steam test of the 7 1/4” gauge BR 8P ‘Duke of Gloucester’ following our 4 year total rebuild by our chief engineer John Holroyd here at The Steam Workshop. The video includes a close look at the Caprotti valve gear and a tour of some of the detail we’ve created for this model. To find out more, the loco has a page on our website at www.steamworkshop.co.uk, or why not follow us on Instagram or ‘like’ our Facebook page.

[@MrSteamywindows]

To make a static model with that level of detail would be an impressive achievement. To make a working steam loco with that much working detail is simply phenomenal. You deserve all the plaudits coming your way

[@spuds4t]

Hear! hear -Couldn't better your comments. Truly a Master piece of Engineering skills.

[@brycenew]

Hear hear!!

[@classic_britain]

Crikey not seen you in years hows things?

[@Otpevatel]

Тут тоже РУССКИЕ ВИНОВАТЫ?

[@GoodDeal123]

Jaw dropping detail. This is art in its best form! Kudos, hands down, you win! This deserves 1m views!

[@StaxRail]

This is one of, if not the best miniature locomotive I've seen! An absolutely superb engineering masterpiece, even sounds like the full size loco

[@haroldpearson6025]

Take the time to visit the Model Engineering exhibition.

[@Badgeriferous]

That's an insane level of detail, absolutely stunning.

[@ianoliver3879]

Brilliant stuff. Not just the model - that's a total work of art - but the shooting, editing and narrating. That's the way to do it. Thank you.

[@alanstanton8652]

Fabulous! Anyone who models Caprotti valve gear deserves a medal!

[@smhorse]

This kind of engineering is well into six-figure sums!

[@sjv6598]

I can’t imagine how excited I’d be for the first fire after four years of work! Congratulations, team 😌

[@rixretros]

Absolutely incredible !!! What marvellous workmanship and attention to detail. Thank you for bringing the Duke back to life.

[@marktegrotenhuis]

Just happened to come across this video and the level of detail on this fully functional model is mind blowing! It's literally like the real deal, only smaller.

[@GamerGateVeteran]

I have been privileged enough to see many sights with my own eyes, things which still leave me with awe when I think back on those memories and recollections. I can comfortably say this locomotive in this video is hands down one of the coolest and most amazing works of man I have ever seen done not for "practical" purpose, but out of love and passion for a niche. The level of detail for no other reason than "the details are important to what we want to do with this" is not only admirable, but astounding. I came here from the thumbnail showing the largest model locomotive I had ever seen, but I stayed for the love and passion put into this project. My closeted autism is thoroughly pleased, and I will be promptly go from watching this video to playing Railway Empire via Steam lol. Well done old chaps.

[@keithappleton]

The Genius of John Holroyd - this is incredible. I watched some of the work that John was doing on it early on - but now it's great to see it completed running on Steam Well done Steam Workshop - !

[@Tom-Lahaye]

This is the most faithfully produced working model replica of a real locomotive I have ever seen. A true masterpiece!

[@davidkemp9433]

Absolutely outstanding. As a machinist myself of 30 years, this locomotive is brilliant.

[@ScaniaVabis580]

The most remarkable thing that I've ever seen, lost for words! 👏👏👏

[@flippop101]

A quality of workmanship defying description. Truly a thing of beauty. Congratulations!

[@robindeer-park5755]

A Model Engine Working Masterpiece ........ The Attention to Detail Is Phenominal.

[@philipdumelow8920]

As everyone else has said: what magnificent engineering to produce such a beautiful locomotive. 71000 full size is one of my favourites.

[@andrewframe8046]

This is easily the most detailed, faithfully modeled engine I've ever seen. Very well done.

[@peterjackson2625]

Incredible in all that detail! A masterpiece of locomotive modelling!

[@tomlee9534]

This has added immensely to my understanding of how a steam loco works. And what a model!

[@rizalardiansyah4486]

This is certainly a masterpiece! Incredible amount of engineering, art, and time has been well spent. Congratulations for finishing this and thank you for sharing this to the internet.

[@JB-yn4cs]

Absolute masterpiece. A gem of details throughout which must've taken so many rare skills. I can do the basics in a machine shop and knock out simple engines but so much more has gone into this, parts I wouldn't know where to begin with.

[@andrewclarkehomeimprovement]

That is just the most beautiful example of miniature engineering I've ever seen. The attention to detail is exemplary. You should all be extremely proud of what you've achieved. Thank you.

[@TheFlyingBusman]

An absolutely fantastic model. There are few superlatives to describe the incredible attention to detail. Loved this vid. A real credit to the builder.

[@officialbritishtaxpayer5609]

A credit to all concerned - what a comission! I imagine its owner would be delighted. It's gratifying to see that craftsmanship is still alive and well in England in the 21st century.

[@MadMadCommando]

As a mediocre machinist, I can't possibly imagine the amount of work you guys put in that!

[@Hard-Boiled-Bollock]

This is quite exceptional. Not only is it stunningly accurate, but it's so well crafted and put together, and the fact it's a working model makes it even more remarkable. It really is like you took the real thing and put it in that device from Honey I Shrunk The Kids. I wish you could build me one!

[@fabiandeka4221]

This is just incredible. I’ve seen many fully functional models, but this level of quality and detail is just astonishing.

[@griswald322]

An absolute credit to the builders of this magnificent machine.

[@984francis]

Fantastic. Unfortunately, a fleet of these was a fantasy. The resurrection and correction of the prototype was, astonishingly not a fantasy and I love it! What a fine machine! Well done.

[@jokermaan1]

Stunning piece of engineering. Unbelievable attention to detail.

[@AnchorsAweighNarooma]

Iam not a real train fan, but this is at a level that would make anyone with a pulse watch, the detail is just amazing. Really words cannot express the attention to detail. Keep up the good work and thank you so much for the video....

[@robertwilson123]

An amazing journey job... A huge engineering effort... Not simply in model terms but in a functioning piece of machinery.

[@bengrant4314]

I don’t even have words to describe how beautiful this locomotive looks 😂

[@timstoys1]

A beautiful Locomotive, outstanding workmanship, attention to detail is mind-blowing!

[@davepoul8483]

work of art.. it so good to see this level of enginering still alive and well...

[@stephenrice4554]

Astounding , I didn't think I'd see a loco with that detail and care of build . 👍🇬🇧

[@rosewood1]

What a superb bit of engineering. Stunning when you consider it's all bespoke and operational. Love the cam operated valve gear. I have never seen that on a loco. Magnificent.

[@bjnuma01]

How on earth could this NOT impress you! Absolutely amazing.

[@AndreA-ke2id]

Four years may seem like a long time for a rebuild at this gauge. But this is the end result. Sheer quality and well worth waiting for.

[@stretchedits]

I've just come across the channel, that is the most beautiful locomotive I've ever seen. You should all be congratulated on such great workmanship, truely amazing.

[@chrismoore8179]

Dennis Evans was the original builder a remarkable Gentleman and Engineer, he went on to build a 5" Caprotti Std 5 and then a 3 and 1/2" Duke of Gloucester, I am proud to have known him and delighted to share space with the full sized Duke which is well on the way back to life.

[@michaeldaruwalla8717]

You chaps are absolute geniuses. Meticulous to the last detail. You keep alive an art that is on the wane.

[@PaulFellows3430]

An absolutely amazing replica. I've been lucky enough to see and travel behind the real thing so I know just how authentic this is.

[@christianmccollum1028]

Good heavens. The level of detail is outstanding. And it all works! Mind blown!!!

[@henrilindenhof7791]

Always nice to see two happy people…

[@LNERA3]

What a work of art! Also thank you for the narration, I’m learning new things.

[@FlyingScotsman-vv1jh]

Beautiful! Really brings a tear to the eye! Well done lads 🙌🙏 such a faithful recreation

[@CODHELPUS]

Being an ex. Toolmaker, I can really appreciate the level of skill and craftsmanship required to achieve this !! You can't do it all on machines. Just fantastic super high level skills. Well done.

[@davidcorbett62]

What a beautifully detailed and faithful replica of the real engine. Well done to all those who made it happen .

[@MattRLR]

Wow for this to be a working loco with that level of detail is absolutely amazing keep up the amazing work!

[@michaeledwards427]

Not only a real masterpiece but a true work of art, much better than something like a van gogh painting. Well done for everyone's hard work.

[@edwardgilhooley1499]

Impeccable workmanship. A work of skill and art.

[@TimsBitsnPieces]

That is absolutely awesome. The level of detail is fantastic.

[@darthdmc]

That is one absolute masterpiece. Well done to all involved.

[@timd8776]

This loco is a work of art the complexity in the valve gear insane amounts of work runs beautiful 😍 skilled engineers!! Would love that in the loungeroom $$$ 😅

[@fredtedstedman]

The epitome of British steam , model and full size !! Breathtakingly gorgeous loco . So glad to see she has been built with the correct "Duke modifications " that should have been included in the first place , I feel that the Duke has been vindicated in terms of performance . well done guys , every one .

[@Dreadtower]

That is an absolutely wonderful locomotive. Thanks for showing the controls (cab and on the locomotive) and especially the detail of the Caprotti.

[@eddiestafford3313]

What gorgeous craftsmanship......a credit to all involved.🚂

[@wadkin1973]

My mind is boggled by the level of workmanship

[@mburland]

This is amazing! Incredible level of craftsmanship.

[@MichaelSmith-wj8zb]

This is breathtaking! The detail is incredible! Should be very proud of what you have achieved!

[@nicholashunt9522]

Mindblowing attention to detail, quality of machining and amazing end result.

[@Wooburnmusic]

Absolutely beautiful, how you guys built this loco I will never know ! If I were there I wouldn't be able to take my eyes off of this locomotive in wonderment ! Thankyou for showing this video.

[@buijs1967]

Just yaw dropping detail, i can watch this over and over👌👏

[@maringarvanovic8011]

I am speechless at how beautiful and amazing this is. Incredible achievement.

[@Keyswiz71]

What an astounding piece of engineering, well to done everyone involved!

[@johngriecosr8723]

It's really hard to describe how beautiful this steam engine and tender is, the attention to detail and workmanship is amazing. Congratulations I love it from a RC model aircraft builder and flyer. John from Hayden, Idaho usa

[@chriswilson2431]

Simply superb. A masterpiece indeed.

[@thebadger2101]

Stunning! Reminds me of staring at the real thing at Dicot after its initial restoration. A credit to you all.

[@jamesstewartwilliams]

Absolute excellence - and nothing less expected from expert British engineering and craftsmanship. Greetings from London!

[@srking783]

I've never seen a live steam loco look so good! Congrats on getting it to work, and especially with the Caprotti valve gear! I love this model!!

[@stebstebanesier6205]

I do not possess the ability to put into words the marvel of this beautiful piece of art work.

[@wilsonlaidlaw]

Stunning! Congratulations to the team who rebuilt this locomotive in such a realistic manner.

[@NitroTom91]

My wife asked what I was watching because my mouth was open the whole time. I have never seen anything like it. I think I have to re-watch this a few times to fully soak up the level of detail on this. Outstanding work.

[@squeaksvids5886]

That’s a thing of beauty, the level of detail and engineering is amazing.

[@gzk6nk]

What an absolutely beautiful thing! Well done John!

[@radams581]

Beautiful, work of art.!

[@ceanothus_bluemoon]

Absolutely staggering work. What an absolute beauty!

[@wb1956]

Wow, incredible achievement. I'm in awe. So talented!

[@wolfe1970]

Attention to detail is insane

[@ponkkaa]

I'm blown away by the quality of workmanship and the level of detail. amazing machine!

[@KeanesCove]

Wow what a labour of love! A magnificent locomotive and the video is very well narrated and explained

[@MrGrunter0]

What a fantastic locomotive. Real credit to the engineering skills of all your team.

[@mickboakes7023]

Unbelievable. What an amazing achievement. She looks beautiful. Well done all. Mick.

[@davidcousins3508]

A beautiful working replica with incredible detail 👍

[@schrodingerscat1863]

Level of detail on this is remarkable, everything beautifully made and working as closely as possible to the full size engine. Not only an engineering masterpiece but a work of art too.

[@keithcrabtree3080]

Dennis built other models of this locomotive in 5" and 3.5" gauges and all were superbly detailed.

[@tommymartin4827]

Art in its truest form a absolute masterpiece..knocked out the park fellas

[@androrodriguez7793]

Just like the full sized one..brilliant work of art!

[@Steve211Ucdhihifvshi]

WOW this is incredible. as a kid there used to be a model railway you could ride with similar trains, but no where near as detailed as that. Beautiful!

[@andrewfayers9147]

There are simply insufficient superlatives to even begin to praise this locomotive and all who worked on it. Fantastic!

[@jrhalabamacustoms5673]

What a tremendous effort to recreate this in miniature.

[@NoName-uh3lp]

Damn guys that is absolutely amazing! Fantastic work 😁👍👍👍

[@idfitter]

I remember this loco from around 1980 at Halton Miniature Railway - good to see it's being looked after

[@bongerworld]

I served my time as a toolmaker in the nineteen sixties. I would be well proud if I had made this.

[@thomascresswell4447]

Wow congratulations for getting duke of Gloucester back into steam well done Simon

[@mdtransmissionspecialties]

Beautiful detail you all literally are a work of art in just your attention to detail. Thank you!

[@trainwafflingwithchristie]

What a beautiful engine u own ron i had the pleasure of riding this beautiful masterpiece at echilles wood 7 1/4 inch gauge gala on the 16th of july with a friend Mark Franklin

[@oldschoolman1444]

I can't imagine the thousands of hours it took to build, the detail is incredible!

[@justtim9767]

Work of art.