Fowler A7 Road Loco

On behalf of the owners we are pleased to offer for sale Fowler 11300, a 2 Speed A7 class Road Loco requiring full restoration. An exciting and worthwhile project, engines in this condition do not come up for sale very often and this one is a great opportunity for some to finish with one of the most desirable engines on the rally scene.

Built in 1910, 11300 was bought alongside her matching sister engine by the Griffith Co. and exported to Chile. The company bought the engines for use constructing the Chile Longitudinal narrow gauge railway. Unfortunately, the sister engine was scrapped whereas 11300 survived after being cut down and used as a stationary power plant for the railway sawmill.

When cut down for the sawmill it was cut just behind the back head through the hornplates so there are no bearing housings or spring gear. The rear wheels, tender and associated parts including the reversing lever and quadrant where also discarded at the time. The replacement 7’ rear wheels included are Fowler parts and in good condition however originally the engine had 6’6” wheels.

The remaining engine is reported to be in good condition having been protected from the elements when used in the Sawmill. With a couple of days work you could probably have the engine ticking over. Although steamable in Chile the boiler would not pass UK standards and will require a new firebox at least. It is important to remember the hornplates will either need complete replacement or replacement sections welding on.

The owner has endeavoured to find most of the lost parts and has so far sourced:
- Drawbar
- Fairleads and brackets
- Steps
- Differential and new final drive gear
- Winding Drum centre
- Various worn gears for patterns
- Second shaft
- Brake arm castings
- Check valve castings

This is an extremely worthwhile project with the finished engine being worth in excess of £250,000. Although the missing rear section may seem a lot of work (and it is) many engines receive replacement tenders, gears and bearings so much of the work required is what would be expected on most major restorations. Being Fowler the works drawings are still available and highly detailed, also with a number of other similar engines restored over the years patterns for casting most of the missing parts are also available.

For further details please do not hesitate to get in touch. Viewing is welcome by genuinely interested parties and we would be happy to help with part exchanges if possible.