Thursford to sell ten Aveling & Porter steam rollers by the 'Underbidder' (Old Glory)
Following contact with Thursford Managing Director, John Cushing, son of the collections founder, the late George Cushing, Old Glory correspondent Underbidder was invited to examine the engines and to photograph them following the removal of the sheets which have covered them for many years.
Many people will know that at the end of 1976 a Trust was formed, which came into operation on January 1st 1977. As a charitable organisation it is non-profit making and any operating surplus is ploughed back into the museum.
Contrary to popular belief not all of the items at Thursford form part of the Trust and are in fact in private ownership. This had led to a decision to place on the open market six Aveling & Porter steam rollers and a substantial amount of small and large spare parts. At the same time, following a lengthy period of discussion, the Trust has decided to release an additional four Aveling & Porter steam rollers for sale. It is considered that the engines to be offered are in many respects duplicates of the engines that form the core collection at the museum. The engines to be offered have been stored for many years with most of them sheeted-up outside and have not been on public view. The Trust intends to use the funds raised by the disposal to secure the longer term viability of various on-going plans at the museum.
The auction is expected to run to in excess of 200 lots and will include a number of motor rollers, implements, front and rear rolls, scarifiers, fire-bars, dynamo’s and a large quantity of small spares. Many of the spares are brand new and are bound to attract considerable interest.
Thursford Managing Director, John Cushing and Cheffins Chairman, Bill King, jointly stated that, “This sale will provide a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and restorers to return to steam, engines that have a superb provenance. The release of important spares will in addition provide the catalyst for other long term restoration projects which otherwise may never see completion”.
With ten rollers all requiring various levels of restoration it is hoped that some may return to steam within three years, whilst it is inevitable that others may take a longer period of time. Looking to the future it is hoped that enterprising rally organisers will seize the opportunity to stage a reunion of ex-Thursford rollers and possibly one day a number of them could be gathered together in steam at the museum. Collectors and enthusiasts as well as the engines themselves have every reason to look forward to the future.
Sale catalogues will be available during August and any enquiries should be made to Cheffins vintage department on 01223 213777. www.cheffins.co.uk
Engine No. Reg. No. Date Type
10003 AH 6130 4/1921 4NHP Compound
10341 PW 623 4/1923 6NHP Compound
10342 NO 5896 9/1923 6NHP Compound
10345 NO 5893 9/1922
10780 PR 1392 9/1923 4NHP Compound
11454 PE 9234 3/1926 4NHP Single
11822 UF 1934 4/1927 4NHP Compound
12205 VF 4393 10/1928 4NHP Single
14137 TM 9357 9/1931 4NHP Single
At the time of writing a final decision has not been taken on the tenth engine but it will be either 10755 or 11980.
By the 'Underbidder' and published by kind permission of Old Glory (Mortons publication).
