Wallis and Steevens 7NHP Traction Engine

On behalf of the owners we are pleased to offer for sale Wallis and Steevens 7690 of 1919, a well-known and regularly rallied engine in its local area the engine has just had a new set of tubes so is ready for the next season to be enjoyed by a new owner.

Originally sold to P. Steevens of Bacton Suffolk, the engine remained in the county for its working life all be it with a couple of different owners. We dont have an extensive history file available but believe the engine was sold into preservation in 1979 to W.R. Bird in Norfolk who owned the engine for almost 30 years and during that ownership it underwent a full restoration. The engine was sold to the Smith Family in 2006 where the engine became a stalwart of the local Bedfordshire rally circuit before changing hands a couple of years ago to the current owners.

Mechanically the engine seems in good fettle, on receiving its new set of tubes recently it was taken on a 15 mile road run which it completed with ease. The Wallis Expansion valve gear allows for more adjustment on the valve cut-off, rather than just 3 notches on the reverser the Wallis has one and then the secondary handle on top of the regulator is used to adjust the steam cut-off (similar to steam locomotives) this allows for more efficient running using only the amount of steam you need for the job in hand.

Driving the engine around the yard and on the road you quickly get comfortable with it, the engine has loads of power and although quite a big engine for a 7NHP the controls dont feel heavy and we found it controllable even in the tight spots such as reverser her into the shed. Fitted with the quad track rubber tyres she will pull herself out of pretty much any muddy rallyfield while still allowing the cushioning on the road.

Boiler wise the engine has been inspected by Hawkins inspection services with steam test until July 2026 and the last hydraulic being completed in 2020, a full report is available for any genuinely interested parties. As somewhat expected with a big boiler and firebox the engine is free steaming, we steamed it on the CPL ovoids and had no issue keeping pressure even with a relatively thin fire. Water feed is through the crank driven pump and steam injector.

The engine is at our premises in Suffolk so for further details of to arrange a viewing please do not hesitate to get in touch. If required our partners at Classic and Sports Finance would be happy to quote for a finance arrangement. As always we would be help with part exchanges of all steam and vintage vehicles where possible and we can help with delivery.