Full-Size Steam

We are delighted to offer for sale, on behalf of the owner, Marshall 6NHP Britannia Portable Engine No. 50261. To be sold as a project requiring boiler work, this portable benefits from being in otherwise reasonably good condition with the motion able to run on piped in steam.

As with many portables entering preservation, there isn’t a huge amount of history to report on. We understand that Marshall No. 50261 was supplied new to Chile and is plated on the front with: ‘Unicos Agentes. Williamson Balfour & Ga. Valparaiso, Santiago. Concepcion Valdivia.’ For those not fluent in Spanish, that translates roughly to: ‘Sole Agents. Williamson Balfour & Ga. Valparaíso, Santiago. Concepción Valdivia.’ This plate, assuming originality, suggests it was supplied by an agent in Chile based in the centre of the South American country. As a portable power source, this 6NHP, single cylinder engine could’ve been tasked with any activity ranging from farming to small scale power production. It is a slide valve type with a single flywheel.

We understand it made its way back to Britain toward the end of the 20^th/early 21^st century at a time when it was fairly common for such engines to be transported from that part of the world. Having been in the same ownership for around 20 years, it is now on the market. Although still requiring restoration, efforts have been made to turn No. 50261 into a showable piece. It has been cleaned and oiled with originality maintained where possible. The motion work runs and is free moving. It truly gives the distinct feeling of an engine which has just finished working a long life – the day it finished!

In order to return to steam, we understand that it would need a complete overhaul of the boiler which is clearly pitted externally where the cladding was previously containing condensation. Despite this, it has been priced taking into account the completeness and the ‘as found’ character of the engine. The Britannia boiler is a distinguishing feature of this design of portable engine. Introduced by Marshall as a unique (at least to UK makers) firebox arrangement which allowed for the burning of lower quality materials in parts of the world where coal was in short supply. Not all Marshall Portables were fitted with the Britannia firebox but it was a common choice in some parts of the export market.

Overall, No. 50261 is an appealing engine which is full of character and which certainly has an interesting story to tell.

As with any steam 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.

Asking Price – £9,995

New Asking Price – £8,995

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.

×

Zoom In Zoom Out Reset

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.