Aveling & Porter E-Type

On behalf of the owners we are pleased to advertise for sale Aveling and Porter 10596, presented in excellent condition the engine is ready to rally and be cherished by the new owners.

Built in 1923, 10596 is an “E-Type” which denotes a ten ton roller with piston valve arrangement, these engines proved incredibly popular in working days with many surviving into preservation. It was one of the large fleet of rollers once owned by the contracting firm W.W.Buncombe based at Highbridge in Somerset, and it still carries the original owner’s plate on the motion cover and the fleet number 41 on the rollhead. Buncombe’s claimed that they were the largest privately owned rolling business in the country at that time.

The distinctive canopy design is based on those fitted to Clayton & Shuttleworth engines, the 2 tyne scarifier is to Morrison’s patent. The engine is also fitted with a White’s steam water lifter (as specified) and Van Putten’s patent wheel sprinkling equipment (rear wheel sprinkler pipework supplied but not fitted). The original boiler water pump was replaced by a second Penberthy injector in the 1930’s following frost damage, but otherwise the engine is very much as originally built. An Aveling hand operated flywheel brake is fitted and a running board on the offside to facilitate lubrication of the motion.

For many years the roller worked under contract to councils all over the South of England, and it is known that during the late 1930s it was based in the Brandon area of West Suffolk. It last worked commercially at Huntspill in Somerset during 1958.

After 10 years out of use at Highbridge the roller was purchased by the first preservation owner in late 1967, and following a boiler overhaul with a new front tubeplate and tubes was in steam again during 1969. Any worn or damaged components were swapped for better items from the Highbridge stores, including the rear roller wheels. The engine remained in the same ownership for over 55 years before being sold last year to the current owner.

Since then the engine has as far as possible been maintained to its original 1923 condition, further parts being replaced or rebuilt over the years. In 1989 the engine returned to steam once more after a major rebuild which included a new firebox and stays by Bicknell’s of Liphook, new or rebuilt gearing, new rear axle and many bearings. The tender is made of 3/8” plate and is in good condition. The boiler is lagged with softwood slats and timber hoops as per the original methods. The engine has proved to be reliable and an excellent and economic steamer, with the piston valve having been overhauled and the crankshaft running true. The current paintwork and lining out is to the correct specification, following the original paintwork.

The boiler had a re-tube last year and at this time underwent a thorough inspection and hydraulic, although the firebox end is reported to be in very good condition the boiler barrel is showing signs of thinning in areas as such the inspector has given it 5 years rather than the normal 10 on the hydraulic/thorough inspection. Although it may last longer we suggest buyers work on the assumption the barrel will need repair work or replacement.

The roller will be sold with a full set of firing irons, waterproof sheets, tools including tube rod, suction hose with rose for water lifter, wheel chock, chimney damping plate, good firebars, all the original Aveling brass and cast iron plates together with all relevant documentation, hydraulic blanking plate for dome cover. Aveling makers drawings of key components, and a history file are available.

Technical Details
- Royalty No. 10596
- Boiler No: 9281, fitted with Belpaire firebox, 31 tubes 1 ¾” o.d. Heating surface 80.28 sq. ft., grate area 4.36 sq. ft.
- Working pressure: 140 psi.
- Supplied 29th March 1923
- Weight: 10 tons (nominal), 12 1/2 tons in working order.
- Nominal horse power: 6
- Cylinder: 7 ¾” x 10”, piston valve steam admission, Stephenson valve gear.
- Road speeds: 2
- Morrison 2-tyne scarifier No. 2029 (not 2077 as per makers plate fitted)

You may remember we sold the engine last year, unfortunately the new owner has found with existing work and life commitments he cannot enjoy the engine as much as he originally hoped. Rather than storing the engine away he feels it’s the right decision to let it go to someone who will enjoy it and make the most of it.

As always we would pleased to help with part exchanges where possible and finance can be arranged through our specialist partner if required.