Help Northumberland steam veteran to keep on rolling

A crowdfunding bid has been launched to help bring a 123-year-old steamroller back into use to be shown at schools and events.
The steamroller at work in the 1950s.The steamroller at work in the 1950s.
The steamroller at work in the 1950s.

The 15-ton Aveling & Porter steamroller 3315 was built in 1894 and worked for Northumberland County Council until the late 1950s.

It then stood idle until 2003 when it started a new life with the founders of the Hephaestus Trust, which returned it to working order over the next nine years.

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However, initial trials showed up a number of problems that the restoration team had not foreseen and since 2013, it has lain dismantled awaiting a new axle and gears.

These are major repairs which the Trust cannot afford and run to £5,000 including the cost of recertifying the boiler for use, although the rest of the roller is in excellent condition.

Once complete, the roller will be shown at events, schools and gatherings in County Durham and Northumberland, where it once worked.

It is hoped that funds can be raised to allow the repairs to be undertaken in 2018 to enable the roller to attend a number of events in 2019 to mark its 125th anniversary.

Visit https://www.crowd funder.co.uk/on-a-roll-1 or contact Anthony Coulls of the Trust at [email protected] or call 07833 194286.