Full-Size Steam

We are delighted to offer for sale, on behalf of the owner, Ruston Proctor No. 37692 4NHP portable engine. 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. Despite that, there is a little information in the history books we can mention! It was sold new as a 4NHP PSG class, plated as No. 37692 in 1909. The boiler number is 33499 which has been identified and allowed the owner to research it in a little more depth. The boiler number was associated with the above engine number from new, and that engine number was sold to agents Agar Cross of Buenos Aires, Argentina when new on 20/12/1909. There is a twist to the story however as the sales records suggest that on 25/5/1913, Ruston Proctor issued number 43853 to this engine, despite it already working in Argentina. Whether this is an administrative error, due to an issue with the engine or something more, we simply don’t know! It does, however, add a bit of a tale to its early life.

In terms of its life working in Argentina, there is nothing recorded. As a portable power source, this 4NHP, 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. 37692 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’ nature of the engine.

Overall, No. 37692 is an appealing engine which is full of character, and which certainly has a fascinating 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

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.

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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.