History
The Fowler Steam Road Roller serial number 18637 and registration YD1601 has been the 'Roller with No Name' since manufacture in 1929/30 by John Fowler and Co., Leeds.
The Roller was in service with Clevedon Urban District Council in Somerset for approx 30 years. It was new to Clevedon UDC on 21/2/31 according to the registration document (first dated 1/1/45). The last Clevedon UDC stamp was 1952 and the roller was sold sometime after that date (but not properly registered) to Norman from WW Buncombe and Sons Ltd, who already had about 30 steam engines.
Buncombe's public works equipment was being modernised. 18637 fell into disrepair, and Buncombe wanted to sell it to a team of enthusiasts. He also retained several machines in his museum.
So it was acquired by Messrs Michael Neale (1/ 3rd shares) with other shareholders including John Millbank (2/15th) and Toby Harrison (1/15th) together in 1965 for £250. The money was raised and shares distributed on 30/10/65, and on 1/11/65, 18637 was purchased. 1965 was also the height of a rock band that could have been named after the steam roller process...rolling stones.
The first boiler inspection was 11/11/65, then 18637 was extensively renovated and the roller was 1st driven on New Years Day 1967. It was first registered by Mr Neale 20/3/67 upon completion of rebuilding, and the first driving test was passed Spring 1967.
There were 9 initial shareholders including John Wilkes from Horley (1/15th) who helped with the initial repairs, and David Tomlin from Newcastle U-Lyme (1/15th), but sold his share to John Millbank when he emigrated to Australia in 1977. Other initial shareholders were W (Bill) Dean (1/15th), from Chipperfield, Herts (sold to J.Wilkes), Mike Fountain, Weybridge (disabled 2/15th); David Pepper, St John's Wood (1/15th); Mollie Shearing, Lasham Gliding (1/15th). After Toby Harrison's death, his ownership share passed to his sons Mark and Andrew. Other younger helpers have also joined in, over the years, including Ian Lansley and Andy Radcliffe
As of end 2004, the roller has been completely re-roofed and has had its big ends re-fitted. It's now ready for its 1st foray out after the latest restoration in early Spring 2005...
Technical
The steam road roller weighs in at 8.5 tons (registration document states 10 tons). It has a 200psi boiler and is a compound steam engine (invented 1881) which means it has 2 cylinders; 1 high pressure and 1 low pressure (uses steam twice and saves coal and water). It has a balanced crankshaft and machine cut gears. Fuel used is coal (incremented by wood).
The colour was changed from brown in the mid 1960s to a 'fire engine' red. It was also fitted with new valve rods and has a completely new throttle control valve system
Steam Rollers were 1st introduced by the French 1860-1, 6000 Steam Rollers were produced in the UK market. Aveling had 4000 Rollers manufactured (2/3rds of market), Fowler were the second largest road roller manufacturers (1/10th of market), and introduced rollers approx1881.
Living Van
The green living van was acquired in the 1970s and is a genuine living van for a roller or traction engine. It has been owned by Eddison Plant Ltd of Grantham. It is currently in need of restoration
Roller Fun Activities
The roller is located at Chalkdell near the villages of Herriard and Lasham, with the nearest town, Alton, 3.5 miles away in North Hampshire
Unlike most historic steam rollers, YD1601 performs regular duties in rolling the gravel drive to Chalkdell. Yep, it's rolling stones after 40 years just like a rock band - with 2005 being its 40th anniversary based on the North Hampshire Downs.
It also has featured on the front cover of 'Steaming', (Aug 74 Vol 17 no.4), in a BBC documentary and in Old Glory. It was used as a honeymoon vehicle for a wedding and it has been driven by the local vicar, John Jenkyns. It makes trips to local fetes, local shows (e.g. Hollycombe) and is THE way to travel to local pubs!
The local North Hampshire Downs have several recreational attractions including walking in the North Downs and local woods; Lasham Gliding Club, Weston Common woodland, the Second World War Aircraft Preservation Museum and Skirmish
Volunteers
As of 2005, we are seeking new practical and enthusiastic volunteers to help with the Steam Roller's restoration, and ongoing activities
If you are interested in volunteering, please email steam@chalkdell.com or phone 01256 381380
