Engineering was never simply a profession for Jack Davies. Throughout his life he remained fascinated by machinery, and nowhere was this more apparent than in the remarkable working steam locomotives he built. This gallery brings together surviving photographs of those engines — miniature locomotives constructed with the same practical ingenuity and engineering skill that characterised so much of his life.
1 1/2" gauge Aveling and Porter traction engine - working pressure 60lbs.sq.in.
The General Purpose Traction Engine depicted by this model was used mainly for threshing and light road haulage from the 1890's to 1920's. Other than the cylinder, this model is completely fabricated and was the first attempt at Model Engineering in this scale.
The name 'Bunty' is the pet name of my young daughter who took great interest in its building and the number plate contains her initials and birthday date.
Made by J. Davies. NB: John Davies started this project in 1926 whilst in the employ of Lord Gladstone. It took him some 20yrs to finish the build, and It was one of my favourite things to play with when I was a child.
The Sunday Advertiser Wednesday Sept. 27. 1950 | Christine Davies demonstrates to her friend, Sheila White, the model traction engine made by her father, which was on view at the Guildford Model Engineering Exhibition on Saturday. The engine's number, C.D. 5141, comprises Christine's initials and the date of her birth - Photo (W. Bennett)
Leo @ Thames Ditton Miniature Railway, Willowbank, Claygate Lane, Surrey
Two delighted children pose with the little steam engine called Leo - so named after Jack's brother who perished alongside Lord Kitchener aboard the ill-fated H.M.S Hampshire 1916
Bantam Cock | Christine up | 1956
My aunty Christine in 1956 driving Bantam Cock with children passengers
The Bantam Cock | Newton Abbot 1955
Another day out in Newton Abbot to enjoy his 3 1/2" gauge Bantam Cock steam locomotive
Jack Davies with his steam loco Virginia - a 3 1/2" gauge working model complete with cow-catcher.
Jack Davies with his Virginia @ Thames Ditton Miniature Railway, Willowbank, Claygate Lane, Surrey
Leo @ Grange School in New Haw Sept 1962
Leo pulling an unknown driver and two passengers on a temporary track at Grange School, New Haw - September 1962
JD driving Leo c1975
Virginia | Thames Ditton Miniature Railway, Willowbank, Claygate Lane, Surrey
Jack Davies being pulled by his hand-built American locomotive Virginia - c1960
L.N.E.R. 2-6-2 Mixed Traffic Locomotive "Bantam Cock"
L.N.E.R. 2-6-2 Mixed Traffic Locomotive "Bantam Cock" 3/4" scale, 3 1/2" Gauge - built by J. Davies - photograph taken @ Thames Ditton
Steam locomotive named after his American friend Verne Crane - built by Jack Davies and driven by him. c1955
LEO built by Jack Davies, driven by Alfie Fink @ Cranford Park Bristol
LEO built by Jack Davies, driven by Alfie Fink @ Cranford Park Bristol
Manning Wardle
This is a modern photograph of JD's Lynton Barnstaple model steam engine - built in the 1950s - it was displayed at the North Devon Museum.
The Royal Scot - December 1969
Jack Davies driving his 'Royal Scot' @Thames Ditton. Dec 1969. Locomotive sold at Christies. 4th March. 1970.
Bantam Cock - Walton Sea Scouts Fete - 1964
Delighting some children at the Walton Sea Scouts Fete - 21st Sept. 1964