Full-Size Steam

We here present the opportunity to own a unique piece of history, offered for sale on behalf of the owner. Unusually, included in the sale, is a well-researched book published by the present owner which covers the known history of this particular roller, as well as being a good read on other matters! The historic elements of this description covers some highlights from that book.

Thomas Green & Son of The Smithfield’s Ironworks, Leeds, started making steam rollers in 1872 and motor rollers in 1905. At the time of their closure in 1976, they were an old firm with a history stretching back to 1835 when they began making wire. Offered for sale is Thomas Green & Sons No. 2135 which was manufactured in 1924 as a double crank compound, twelve ton roller with boiler number 10685 and an operating pressure of 180PSI. No. 2135 was one of seven rollers of the same design sent to South African agents, Dowson & Dobson of Johannesburg between 1925 and 1928.

We understand No. 2135 spent its working life based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Its latter working days were with the company Darling and Hodge Civil Engineering Contractors in Germiston on the site subsequently owned by Tanker Services. At the end of service, No. 2135 was parked on a plinth on the site and left there for around 40 years. It had clearly had a challenging life as it was left with sharp gears and thin rolls!

The present owner spent many years negotiating the purchase of No. 2135 before finally securing its purchase in February 1997. This started a major restoration which saw the majority of the boiler replaced. The first fire was lit after a huge amount of work in 2003. Following this work, No. 2135 was stored and used at Sandstone Estates in South Africa whilst arrangements were made for it to be moved to the UK with the owner – it was considered only partway through the complete restoration at this time, which was concluded when in the UK. It was shipped in June 2007, arriving in July before spending several months undergoing boiler inspection work to UK specification, as well as repairing issues caused by the shipment. This started a second set of works (although remaining in service), lasted nearly a decade and was conducted by the owner and friends to bring No. 2135 to the condition we see ‘Well Chuffed’ in today!

Works since its return to the UK include; valve gear overhaul, replacement valve rods and valves, new primary and secondary gears, replacement bearings, new off-side main shaft bearing housing, new front roll bearing shaft and front rolls skimmed to allow for better steering, installation of the impressive whistle, some repainting and decal, clean and painting inside tender.

Today, No. 2135 presents as an appealing steam roller with an unusual history. It is one of only six rollers from Thomas Green’s works listed in The Traction Engine Register to be in preservation in the UK, and the only known compound and only known twelve ton listed. In terms of current boiler condition, following from the major works in the early 2000s, it is generally in good order with a hydraulic test valid until 2028. The current boiler certificate was conducted in May 2025 however it was noted that the fire tubes will likely need replacing soon. As with any traction engine or locomotive purchase, we always encourage prospective buyers seek the services of an independent inspector to review the boiler to satisfy themselves of the condition prior to purchase.

With its impressive, 5NHP cylinder block, we find that No. 2135 is a docile but powerful engine which is easy to use and drive. It runs smoothly with the only noticeable sound coming from the cylinder lubricator on tick over. Much work has been conducted on the gears and drive train since No. 2135’s return to the UK, with the present owner working alongside Leeks Engineering to make it a pleasant engine to drive. It steers freely and is a delight to steam. Of particular interest is the unusual device situated between the cylinder block and chimney – the cause of much conversation on the rally fields. This is actually a secondary, tamper proof safety valve!

In conclusion, this is clearly a steam roller which has been cared for over nearly three decades of ownership. It is available for in-steam viewings at our yard near Exeter. Please call us on 01392 833301 to make an appointment ahead of your visit.

Asking Price – £65,000

New Asking Price – £57,500

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 at our premises near Exeter, Devon. 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.

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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.