DIBNAHS’ AVELING AUCTIONED
Cheffins Vintage Auction department have received instructions from the executors and beneficiaries of the estate of Fred Dibnah MBE deceased to offer the engine for sale in order to settle the estate. The 1912 Aveling and Porter traction engine was the subject of a tireless restoration over 27 years or so and featured in many of his TV shows including his final TV series for the BBC ‘Made in Britain’ which saw him travelling around Britain aboard the engine. Fred lost his battle against cancer on 6th November 2004 and the engine was last used to pull Fred’s coffin through Bolton to his funeral. There is little more to be said here about Fred that has not already been said about one of the iconic figures of the steam preservation movement.
Engine no 7838 was originally supplied to West Sussex CC and was described on the build records as a ‘motor tractor and roller combined’. By 1916 it had been commandeered by the War Department and following the war was in service with Devon CC as a roller. In 1967 it had been acquired by Peter Froud following it’s discovery in a lay-by and was subsequently purchased by Fred in 1979.
Much of the restoration took place in Fred’s worksops at his home in Bolton with new parts being manufactured using traditional methods. The resulting restoration is testament to Fred’s knowledge and enthusiasm for steam.
The engine is offered for sale with a current hydraulic test which is due for renewal by 15th April 2011. The last boiler certificate expired in August 2005.
It is offered for sale with a pre-sale estimate of £120,000 - £140,000.
Catalogue available on-line shortly.
(Images supplied by Keith Langston)
