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7" Fowler Steam Lorry

Seller:

Location:

L.V. Brokering

Suffolk, UK

£45,000

Hydraulic Exp:

Steam Test Exp:

October 2026

October 2025

Year Built:

2023

Now I might be getting carried away after spending the morning steaming this exceptional steam lorry but I would go as far to say that it is one of the best large scale miniature we have ever seen and is from conception to completion an engineering triumph.

Built in comparatively small numbers I believe only one full-size Fowler wagon has survived (19708) into preservation. This unique model has been based on Fowler 16499 which was originally supplied to Hannan Brothers, Timber Merchants of Conon Bridge, Scotland. Although the prototype was a standard flatbed the builder opted to build the Wagon in the Short Wheel Base Ballast Tractor style which has made for a much more user friendly engine for transport, storage and general handling around the yard.

The bodywork and running gear all 7” Scale, this has made for an impressive size engine and allows for 2 people to sit in the cab. Overall length of just under 9’ and 4’ width. The “V-Twin” power unit itself has been done in 6” scale, this has given a bit of extra room in the cab, space around it to work on as required but offers more than enough power! It is worth noting the cab has quickly removable back and roof panels to allow for the larger driver, I am 5’8” ish and find it a snug but comfortable fit with these still fitted, the whole side panel hinges out as shown in the pictures for ease of access.

On the road the Wagon is seriously impressive and will out run pretty much everything, it will easily achieve the legal limit of 15mph. On most other engines this would feel like 100mph but on the Fowler the whole experience is surprisingly sedate. It is fitted with 3 road gears, so even on the steepest hills you will have no trouble getting up, however with full pressure it stormed up the driveway in our yard in top gear which is fair incline and puts most things through its paces.

The vertical boiler was custom built for the purpose and comes with full design drawings, approvals and CE paperwork. It runs at 160psi and comes just within the model club testing limitations should you wish to use this scheme. The boiler itself provides more than enough steam for the engine and I was impressed by how easy it was to maintain steam and water. Water feed is through a steam injector and steam driven water pump ,the primary supply and even has a dosing system for boiler treatment to ensure the correct amount is used. The boiler is fitted with twin coil superheaters and a spare coil is included.

Driving the engine was originally designed as a two man operation however pretty much everything can be done from the driver’s seat, firing the boiler once lit is an easy affair you simply shovel it in through the hole in the top of the boiler, the fire area is quite deep so on a run you can fill this up and control the fire on the damper, this is great for single man operation. I won’t go into a full explanation of the controls, but everything is well thought out and after a short amount of time with the engine you quickly get comfortable with it. There is an electronic indicator system which shows when things like the water pump is operating and a low level warning for the boiler although fitted it is not necessary for operation should the batteries go flat.

The wagon as a project is nothing short of engineering excellence, when you consider that literally nothing was available apart from works drawings it really has been a passion project from the original concept. Included in the sale are the full CAD design drawings and a pallet of patterns for the castings, these themselves must have taken countless hours and I dread to think how much these would have cost to have made commercially.

It goes without saying but workmanship throughout really is of the highest standard and the complexity of the build and some components have to be seen to be appreciated, this is without doubt a more complicated build than a traction engine which lots of additional components not seen such as the automatic oiling system, dual control regulator block and V-Twin style engine.

The lorry also has many practical additions the most notable being a motor mover discreetly hidden underneath which drives the gearbox. There is also a radio controlled winch fitted to the rear. These make loading on the trailer and manoeuvring when out of steam a doddle and very controllable, this has been wired in and controlled by the throttle pedal. . For safety on the road the top section of the rear body folds down to reveal the number plates, road lights and beacons.

As you can probably tell I am quite taken by this thing, I followed the build of it for many years and feel really privileged to have been trusted with the sale and get a chance to steam it and see what it could do. Viewing is welcomed by genuinely interested buyers and we would be happy to consider all steam and vintage vehicles part exchange. Finance can also be arranged through our specialist partner.

As noted above included in the sale are full patterns for the castings and CAD drawings as well as USB drive full of other information and articles. The normal paraphernalia of a full set of firing irons, coal, oil etc are all included as well as full days tuition.

For further information or to arrange a viewing please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

Important Note: We recommend when purchasing any steam vehicle to employ the services of your own boiler inspector for independent advice and not solely rely on previous test reports.

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