Garrett 4CD Showmans Tractor

We are privileged to offer for sale Garrett 33358, a well known engine in East Anglia "Lord George" has spent almost all of its working and preserved life in Suffolk and Essex.

The engine left the Leiston Works as a tractor in October 1918 as part of a government order however was quickly sold at one of the many government surplus sales and purchased by Malcolm Bloomfield, Debenham, Suffolk. In 1921 interest was shown by Fred Harris for a small showman’s and she was subsequently converted to her present form which she retains to this day.

Following WW2 the Garrett stood at Harris’s winter quarters at Clare until early 1954 when purchased by the owners father for preservation.

With the formation of the East Anglian Traction Engine Club (1955) she attended their first rally at Gt Sailing Airfield near Braintree. Essex. Whilst attending the 1957, Sudbury steam rally Malcolm Bloomfield made his acquaintance with the owners father, relating that he converted the engine to showman’s form; it is believed that this was the first 4CD to be converted by the firm.

The engine was extensively rallied and shown at events throughout the region. By the early in 1980’s she required major boiler works, were by a new firebox and front tube plate was fitted together with other works to numerous to mention.

By 1984 she had been passed into the owners full ownership, now attending a number of events further afield e.g.; Henham Park near Southwold, Suffolk. All of which she was steamed there and back in excess of 200 miles.

By the end of season 1999 saw other boiler problems with stay tubes causing concern. Following a major strip-out and inspection it was decided a new boiler barrel was required and work began, this involved not only a new barrel, but it was decided that a full overhaul of cylinder and motion work together with new bronze bearings in back axle, a rebuild of its tender/water tank and belly tank was called for. A number of setbacks accruing at different stages of this rebuild, one being a major crack during hydraulic testing to the cylinder casting, which required removal for specialist repair, a new canopy was constructed to Garrett’s own drawing and using the same wood types as listed.

Nearly 10 years elapsed before she emerged once again as she is today, with decoration and signing as near as can be established whilst working under Fred Harris banner. All boiler works being carried out by the owner together with help from a few like minded friends.

Unlike many preserved engines Lord George does not carry any more decorative brass than she did throughout her working life with the Harris family, with the intention to portray her as a work like example of the Garrett mark.

The engine is in good mechanical condition and runs well on the road, it is well known for attending events under its own steam rather than being transported on a low-loader. Like other 4CDs she is good on the belt and capable of a full days work generating at shows.

We would welcome any enquiries from genuinely interested parties. Viewing and full steam trials can be conducted from our premises in Suffolk.