Full-Size Steam
PrintFowler DH 10-ton No. 16044 ‘Iron Ada’ of 1923 SO681
| Manufacturer | John Fowler & Co. (Leeds) Ltd |
| Model | DH 10-ton (Formally Road Roller, now Traction Engine) |
| Country of Origin | UK |
| Works No. | 16044 |
| Gears | 2-speed |
| Year Built | 1923 |
| Condition | Good working order |
| Asking Price | £92,000 |
We are delighted to offer for sale, on behalf of the owner, Fowler No. 16044 ‘Iron Ada’. Nicely presented and a very manageable engine in steam, No. 16044 is offered for sale from our premises with a well-documented history stretching back to its early days as a road roller for R. Dingle & Sons.
One of three Fowler rollers supplied new to R. Dingle and Sons between August 1923 and April 1924 – the three all being DH single cylinders and numbered 16044, 16045 and 16049. Despite being rated at 10-ton, these rollers were reported to weigh in at 12 ¾ tons each when in operational condition. The documents enclosed with this sale suggest that 16044 (the engine offered here for sale), remained with R. Dingle and Sons for its working life. According to the records, it is suggested only eight DH singles were built, with at least one having been exported when new.
Photographs from the early 1960s show 16044 laid up in Dingle’s yard in a sorry state. It appears to be largely complete in roller form with the number plate it bears today, AF 7718. We understand it was pulled from scrap a little after the photos were taken and rebuilt, to a traction engine arrangement, in the early 1970s (The Traction Engine Register suggests 1974). The next photo shows ‘Iron Ada’ at Coltshill Rally in 1979 looking resplendent with a fresh livery and in steam again!
Following its restoration, we have boiler reports dating back as far as the early 80s suggesting ‘Iron Ada’ has enjoyed preservation with a handful of owners around the country. The present boiler inspection runs out in September 2024. As with any traction engine or locomotive purchase, we would always encourage prospective buyers to employ the services of their own inspector to review the boiler prior to finalising any purchase.
No. 16044 is a two-speed, single cylinder, slide valve engine. Information in an enclosed letter suggest that, whilst originally supplied as a roller, the gearing arrangement is considered more akin to the traction engine type, with all gears between the hornplates. Further points of interest include ‘Iron Ada’ being fitted with a winch drum and differential. The rear tyres are vulcanised on. The canopy is appealing at a good height and the paintwork is generally smart.
‘Iron Ada’ is an overall pleasant engine which is a delight to steam and fun to drive. It has a well-documented history and is supported by a thick folder of historical paperwork dating back through preservation.
Asking Price – £92,000
We always encourage prospective buyers to view vehicles and steam engines in person prior to purchase. This engine is advertised for sale by Berrybrook Steam & Classics on behalf of the owner and seller.
For the sake of viewing logistics, this engine is at our premises near Exeter, Devon for viewings. We ask that, where possible, all viewings are booked in advance by giving us a call on 01392 833301.
Delivery can be arranged to anywhere in the UK, and beyond, at buyer’s expense.
The Company (Berrybrook Steam & Classics, trading name of Berrybrook Motors Ltd) offers the above details of this vehicle in good faith but cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vehicle. A buyer should instruct their agents, surveyors or inspectors to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated.
