IRON ADA
FOWLER TRACTION ENGINE
HISTORY
WORKING LIFE
DINGLES and TT BOUGHTONS
LATE 20th CENTURY
RECENT LIFE
Early life as a Traction Engine
From 2006 to present
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Technical Specification
Manufacturer: Fowler of Leeds Ltd
Date of Manufacture: 1923
Works Number: 16044
Registration Number: AF7718
Name: Iron Ada
Type: Single Cylinder Traction Engine
Weight: 10 ton
Working Pressure: 140 psi
Gearing: Four Shaft, Two Speed. Double Drive.
Boiler Feed: Water Pump driven from 2nd Shaft & Steam Injector
WORKING LIFE
Originally bought by:
Dingles
Stoke Climsland
Cornwall
The engine was originally made as a DHA Road Roller with winch and differential, for use by Dingles who were involved in the road building business.
In 1967 it was then bought by:
T T Boughton & Sons Ltd
Amersham Common
Amersham
Bucks
They rescued it from a state of disrepair and converted it into a Traction Engine using original Fowler Traction engine parts. The rear wheels were an addition from one of their old 'pre Fowler incorporation engines' (approx 1870) and the front wheels and perch bracket came from a Boughton's Garrett tractor. The canopy was later added by one of it’s many owners.
70s 80s 90s
The engine had numerous owners during this period and was widely exhibited at rallies including many in Kent, Hampshire, Cornwall, Dorset and Leeds.
During this period it had a new Pridhams firebox in 1990.
RECENT LIFE
The engine was bought by it's current owners, Anthony and Jo Gennard in 2007. During this time it has been rallied in Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset and Hampshire.
The engine has recently undergone a major overhaul whilst housed at Hatch Heritage Engineering works in Swindon. Some of the work carried out has included:
Gears: new top gears - AJ Gears, Newbury
Wheels: back wheels re-rubbered at BH Leeke
Bodywork: full body repaint by Jo Gennard (2012)
Bodywork: lining by Adam Meredith
Boiler is original (we believe) but still in very good condition. Hydraulic was 12 May 2021 (so next not due to 2031). Following the hydraulic the ceramic wool lagging was replaced with new at that time. Next steam test due 10 August 2022.
