Full-Size Steam
PrintNEW PRICE Fowler DNB Compound Road Roller No. 16783 of 1926
| Manufacturer | John Fowler & Co. (Leeds) Ltd |
| Model | DNB Road Roller |
| Country of Origin | UK |
| Works No. | 16783 |
| Weight | 12-ton |
| Gears | 2-speed |
| Year Built | 1926 |
| History | New to Aberdeen County Council |
| Condition | Very Good Condition |
| New Asking Price | £68,000 |
We are delighted to offer for sale, on behalf of the owner, this superb Fowler DNB Steam Road Roller known as ‘Annie’. Supplied new to Aberdeen County Council in 1926, this compound roller has a well document history having been looked after and maintained to a high standard.
A Fowler tar spraying roller with true Scottish pedigree. One of five supplied originally to Aberdeen County Council, No. 16783 was first photographed working in Oldmeldrum in 1930. The engine was sold off to the Burgh of Peterheard in 1946 where it worked on the roads until ending up in a scrapyard in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire where it was found and brought into preservation. That initial buyer took ownership after 12 years in the scrapyard and was a James W Craig, a blacksmith and agricultural engineer from Drumoak. Mr Craig bought No. 16783 in derelict condition and returned it to working condition. At this point named ‘Eileen’, No. 16783 was entered to its first show in 1970 where it gained first prize!
Tracing it through the years, we understand it was later left to James Craig Jnr before being bought by John H Connon, a public works contractor, in 1991. Renamed to ‘Annie’ after the company founder’s wife, No. 16783 was painted to the Connon company colours. At this time, Annie was looking fairly ‘blinged up’ with lots of contemporary additions and alterations. Despite this, it was clearly looked after as the boiler report states that the inner firebox, firedoor ring and boiler barrel were replaced in 1999 with welded replacements. It was rebuild using the existing stays and foundation ring by H. A. McEwan.
In 2014, it was featured in an Old Glory article which showed off ‘Annie’ in a new, fresh livery following a substantial amount of work. Works at this point included a new boiler backhead by Brian Allison boiler works – replacement of which included an opportunity for the inspector to determine that the remainder of the boiler was still in good order. They also added rubber tyres and an original specification canopy as well as conducting work on the belly tanks and generally toning down the engine compared to its presentation before. The tubes were most recently replaced in 2013/14.
We understand Annie has lived largely in Scotland, aside from a period in Co. Carlow, Ireland in fairly recent times, before being bought by the present owner in 2017. In 2022, it was subject to another hydraulic inspection which is still in place. It was also given a paint tidy up at this point too. There is, included in the sale, a large folder of historical paperwork which further outlines the story of ‘Annie’ over the years!
An impressive engine, weighing in as a 12-ton roller and rated at 6NHP, Annie is a DNB compound, slide valve type with valves actuated by Stephenson’s linkages. Fitted with belly tanks, motion covers, a Fowler-type cab and typical roller solid flywheel, it makes for a impressive and nicely presented engine for the road and rallyfield. Currently residing in Scotland with the owner for the sale, it can be considered a well-sorted roller with an honest history and well looked after in preservation.
Contact us today to arrange a viewing on 01392 833301 or by emailing [email protected].
Asking Price – £78,000
New Asking Price – £68,000
We always encourage prospective buyers to view vehicles and steam engines in person prior to purchase. This engine is advertised for sale by Berrybrook Steam & Classics on behalf of the owner and seller.
For the sake of viewing logistics, this engine is currently stored in Scotland. We ask that all viewings are booked in advance by giving us a call on +44(0)1392 833301.
Delivery can be arranged to anywhere in the UK, and beyond, at buyer’s expense.
The Company (Berrybrook Steam & Classics, trading name of Berrybrook Motors Ltd) offers the above details of this vehicle in good faith but cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vehicle. A buyer should instruct their agents, surveyors or inspectors to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated.
