We are pleased to offer for sale this extensively restored and rather rare Aveling and Porter Compound Steam Roller. One of only a handful remaining this 10 ton roller features the early overhead slide valve design of cylinder block.

 

Dispatched on the 8th May 1901 to Alfred Williams and Co through the agency of J.Hooke of Hornsey, N. London the engine was ordered with a Morrision Scarifier. Through notes on the despatch book and build sheet the engine is believed to have been purchased by the war office and later to Thos. Rowley Jnr. In the early 1930s the roller was involved in an accident where the scarified caught on something rather solid, as a result it was sold to the well known engine dealers and scrap metal merchants Hardwickes in Ewell,

 

It managed to evade the gas-axe for over 40 years, eventually being rescued from Hardwickes yard in the late 70s. All that remained was the boiler, motion and tender, it would be safe to assume the roller survived as it was considered a useful source of parts for other older style Avelings. Over the intervening years the missing parts were collected and the roller eventually returned to steam in 2012, the first steaming in approximately 80 years.

​

As is often the situation with "basket case" restorations the engine has been completely gone through, as such she is now presented in fantastic mechanical condition. Early Aveling rollers are known for being rather slow on the road, to make this example a practical roading engine the high speed gearing has been reconfigured to give a much improved road speed of 5/6 mph. For added comfort and safety the rear rolls have had vulcanised rubbers fitted. The crankshaft has also been balanced to take out "the bounce". 

​

All boilerwork was undertaken by Pridhams, this included a new box, barrel and throat-plate plus tombstone repairs to the hornplates. Pridhams were also tasked with building the new tender which the roller carries.

​

This roller wants for noting and offers the new owner the rare opportunity to have many years steaming with only routine maintenance required. For genuinely interested parties viewing is welcomed, alternatively as the engine is still being enjoyed by the current owners it will be attending a number of events over the 2020 rally season. 

​

For finance and part exchange please do not hesitate to speak to us. The engine is with the owner in Hampshire however we ask all initial enquiries come through us.

​