OK, so now
you're wondering why you can buy full size steam whistle valves on a model
railway website.
If you have read
the about us page you will know that I am involved with the Festiniog Railway
and am actively involved in the overhaul of the steam loco's. We needed some new
whistle valves and extensive enquiries in the UK led us to the conclusion that
they were extinct here.
A manufacturer in
the US was found, United Brass, but they would only sell directly if we ordered
a container load. A US restoration company supplied us the two valves we
initially needed in a hurry, but at a price.
Eventually we
needed more valves and on a recent trip to the USA I made an arrangement with a
wholesaler that allows me to get the valves in smaller quantities so a small
stock can be kept here in the UK with more available quickly from the USA and at
competitive prices.
These are solidly built valves that
stand up well in service. One has been in use on the Ffestiniog's double Fairlie
David Lloyd George for two seasons now without problem.
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