Wagon Steering box

[DaveyC]

I wondered why the casting for the steering box extended so far up the column.
It all makes sense now.
I assumed (wrongly) from the photo that the boss cast into the bottom of the case was to support the end of the column, but can now see that it is actually a hole, with a blank in it to allow the whole damn thing to be assembled.

The plot thickens!

[M_Walters]

I have spoken to John Butler and he has confirmed that he saw the wagon and took the photo in November 1966 at Robinson and Birdsell's lower yard in Moor Road, Hunslet. The yard is still there, but sadly all the steam wagon remains have gone. Quite a few wagons and parts were rescued from this yard. John had initially gone there in a search for Yorkshire parts and purchased a new unused Yorkshire boiler for his wagon. Unfortunately this turned out to be a 3 ton boiler, which is now fitted to the 2 ton Yorkshire.

The Fowler must have been substantially complete when John saw it since he made arrangements to purchase, unfortunately the deal was never successfully concluded. At the time John had a number of steam wagon projects and reckoned that he was unlikely to have considered it at the time if it had been cut up and a lot of important parts had been missing.

[Phil Procter]

My dad worked in Leeds and was a regular visitor to Robinson & Birdsells around that time.
He went in one day to drop some scrap brass off, and whilst in the office one of the staff came in to report that he had just uncovered a steam boiler.
Dad went out to have a look and bought it there and then and it came back home on the wagon the same day. It turned out to be a Yorkshire wagon boiler still in really good condition.
I know it sat in our engine shed for many years having been cleaned up and a coat of aluminium paint applied to keep the rust off it.

I remember dad telling me that Tom Varley was not best pleased when he heard we had bought the boiler. I think Tom thought he had exclusive rights to any steam stuff that was uncovered in that scrap yard.

What I don't know is where the boiler eventually went, I presume it was sold at one of our two auction sales, does anyone know if it is currently being used in a restored wagon, I hope it is ?

Phil

[DaveyC]

I have a similar affliction to your Dad, Phil.
I often leave the scrapyard having bought things I don't actually need, but they were too good to leave in a scrapyard!
I suspect there may be a few TT members with similar illnesses.

It would be nice to find out where it ended up.

[bushy]

Dave
just buy a Sentinel you know it makes sense
JD

[DaveyC]

You cheeky witch!
I could then embark on a 25 year restoration.
Sound familiar?

[johnsawle]

Originally Posted by DaveyC

I have a similar affliction to your Dad, Phil.
I often leave the scrapyard having bought things I don't actually need, but they were too good to leave in a scrapyard!
I suspect there may be a few TT members with similar illnesses.

.

My granddad used to say, rather wistfully, "My yard is full of bargains"