Henham

[YYS4BOB]

An event I've never visited before, as a 320 mile round trip for me. However, it was well worth the effort. Several engines I'd not seen before. A couple of no-shows would have added to the tally of them, maybe they'll be there tomorrow. Win of the day was Fowler 1855 "Robert The Bruce", now sporting the winding drum and gear from "Windrush".

[hedge]

it's a super machine we had days of fun playing with it after putting her back together, drives very well and surprisingly quiet in the gears for a fowler. also very nice to operate the drum to as it's not much different running a conventional plougher. do like the fenland front wheels bulks the front end up a bit more. interesting to see how it would perform with a cultivator or a 2/3 furrow plough, definitely an engine i would happily own and work.

great to see it out

[single speed]

Originally Posted by hedge

it's a super machine we had days of fun playing with it after putting her back together, drives very well and surprisingly quiet in the gears for a fowler. also very nice to operate the drum to as it's not much different running a conventional plougher. do like the fenland front wheels bulks the front end up a bit more. interesting to see how it would perform with a cultivator or a 2/3 furrow plough, definitely an engine i would happily own and work.



great to see it out

We had it working with a set of harrows a couple of weeks ago and I can report it worked brilliantly!

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[hedge]

happy days stuart

[C.M.FANCE]

'Robert the Bruce' is something special . There were five single crank compounds too - crane , road loco, two tractions and a roller.

[steamy1]

What is the working history of 'Robert the Bruce' ?

[single speed]

Originally Posted by steamy1

What is the working history of 'Robert the Bruce' ?

Built in December 1929 as a twin drum “TE1” but did not find a buyer! Fowlers then removed the winding gear and sold it as a General-Purpose Traction Engine. Then owned by building and public works contractor - Donald C. Stewart, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, Scotland. (Dates unknown)

On Saturday 28 June 1975 it was offered for sale by auction of the Stewart Collection making £ 14,000, being purchased by Frank R. Knight, Burrough on the Hill, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.

In 1993 it was advertised for sale in the August edition of Old Glory magazine with an asking price of £36,000 and was purchased by John Corcoran of Yorkshire.

Sold to W J Kemball in 1995, the engine has recently undergone major boiler surgery, which included a new boiler barrel, firebox, backhead and throatplate. Mr Kemball was fortunate to find a set of winding gear; albeit a single drum, and this was fitted at the same time.