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Steam at Cheffins
Steam at Cheffins
Steam at Cheffins
Steam at Cheffins

Cheffins Cambridge Vintage Sale will include at least 5 steam engines in their next offering at Sutton, Ely, Cambs on Saturday 26th April 2008.

A very early Aveling & Porter traction engine, listed as the third oldest Aveling & Porter traction engine which left the factory in October 1885 will be the oldest engine on offer. ‘Endurance’ as it is known has undergone restoration in 1983 and has been well cared for since and certainly looks to be a more recent restoration. It has been in the same family ownership for many years but has not featured at rallies in recent times.

Remaining with the same marque, a 1920 Aveling & Porter type KND steam tractor is also to be offered which is presented with showmans fittings, the conversion having been carried out in the seventies. Whippet as the engine is known, was originally supplied as part of an extensive order to Herefordshire County Council and was one of five type KND ‘colonial’ tractors. This is one of only three survivors. She came into preservation in 1969 when she was fitted out to showmans specification. Purchased in 2003, the present owners have never put the engine on a low-loader, having driven to many rallies in the Midlands area during this time. The engine is sold with a current boiler certificate.

Also included in this fantastic line up is a RICHARD GARRETT & SONS LTD Type 4CD Showmans Steam Tractor ‘The Leader’
A superb example of the much sought after 4CD having been featured on the front cover of Old Glory and in several traction engine booklets.
BJ 5597 was originally built by Garretts of Leiston as a general haulage steam tractor and was first registered to T & W J Hooper of Liskeard, Cornwall. In 1957/58 it was purchased by R Bailey of Amesbury when it was rebuilt as a Showman’s tractor. By 1977 it was in the ownership of P Ives of Olney, Bucks and in 1978 the engine was subject to a major overhaul including a new firebox and smokebox. ‘The Leader’ as it was named has been in its current ownership since 1988 and in that time has been regularly rallied and has worked with and for several amusement caterers around the Midlands area appearing at fairs at Worcester, Stratford-on-Avon, Hinkley etc. The engine was retubed in 2004, is fitted with solid rubber tyres all round, winch, Mathers & Platt dynamo, belly tanks and lamps by Edlington. The hydraulic test was carried out in 2001to 180psi (current working pressure) and retains its original riveted boiler. Current boiler test (180 psi).

The largest engine on offer will be the mighty J & H McLaren Ltd 10NHP steam road locomotive "Gigantic". A true leviathan and one of only 22 Mclarens listed, "Gigantic" was discovered in Australia and repatriated to Blighty, 1988 - 1998 saw extensive restoration work and a fully certificated road loco of magnificent proprtions is the result.

Portable engines are represented by the finest example that Cheffins have had the privilege to offer, an 1896 8/10NHP Marshall, No.27649 will be presented in steam at the sale ground. Unique in being the only left handed example known and with extensive history, being built for use in a Cumbrian quarry, a 14 year quality restoration has resulted in a notable engine with full certification.

For further information please call Bill King on 01223 213777 or 07831 732617.