Thank you for that. A lovely machine. It's clear to see that you''re a happy man. I'd be grateful if you could clear this up for me. Answering a questioner here eleven months ago, you said: "Rollers are at the cheaper end but they can also be more manageable too, especially for single manning (one person running) which is not possible with big engines." I've never operated a steam roller, and have always assumed that the control of them would be exactly like any traction engine, i.e. optimally [on the highway] undertaken by two men, a driver with a steerer, but quite possible to do by one, taking care and going steady. In their original work for which they were designed steam rollers had of course a crew of only one [I distinctly remember, as a small boy, idolising him!], but that was relatively simple work that for instance did not involve steering amongst traffic. So if you're still checking these comments, may I ask this: Are you saying that there is something different about a roller's controls that means that '...they can be more manageable...for single manning...'? And if so, what is it? [I was an engineer and have been associated with steam engines all my life and understand their controls, so you can be as technical as you like, if you need to be.] Thanks.
Thank you. You are right that the basic operation of each is pretty much the same. It is possible to single man a large engine (which I have done) but the main difference is the size. I have a large Fowler Road Locomotive and it has a far more limited view of the road compared to the roller. Due to the large boiler, block and motion work it is necessary to lean out and look along each side of the boiler as well as straight forward. When we travel on the road the steersman keeps watch on one side and the driver the other. With all engines the driver must continuously monitor and control the amount of water in the boiler, the fire and the boiler pressure as well as the speed and direction and all these things change with road gradients. Using the injector is easier on the roller and can be done pretty much with one hand whilst steering. When feeding the fire (on both engines) the driver has to take his concentration off the road so this means stopping if single manning. Also Rollers and small Tractors can be legally driven by a single person while Traction Engines and Road Locomotives require two operators (UK).
@@J5TPT Thank you very much. Comprehensive, and very good points. [I must be getting old, I should have worked out one or two of them!]. All the best, and many more happy miles!
@@J5TPT thanks got getting back to me. So not particularly expensive to take out for a day. At shows do you have to run the engine at full pressure or can you run it less to use less coal? Cheers
@@letshaveago6077 because she’s a compound engine she runs a higher blowoff pressure (200psi). She will run from about 100 but she’s far more efficient on coal/water between 150 and 200.
@@J5TPT thanks again for the reply, really interesting to find out abit more in depth about the running of these engines. Do they require continuous work to keep in running order or can you be lucky and have a stint with out? Just out of interest and this is me assuming you've purchased it, what led you to getting a roller over the other style of engines? I also admit to been a nosey bugga! Thank you again for taking the time through to reply so far.
@@letshaveago6077 they always require small bits of maintenance. Large maintenance (boiler work) is extremely expensive. I’ve been involved with steam on and off all my life. Rollers are at the cheaper end but they can also be more manageable too, especially for single manning (one person running) which is not possible with big engines.
Thank you for that. A lovely machine. It's clear to see that you''re a happy man.
I'd be grateful if you could clear this up for me. Answering a questioner here eleven months ago, you said:
"Rollers are at the cheaper end but they can also be more manageable too, especially for single manning (one person running) which is not possible with big engines."
I've never operated a steam roller, and have always assumed that the control of them would be exactly like any traction engine, i.e. optimally [on the highway] undertaken by two men, a driver with a steerer, but quite possible to do by one, taking care and going steady. In their original work for which they were designed steam rollers had of course a crew of only one [I distinctly remember, as a small boy, idolising him!], but that was relatively simple work that for instance did not involve steering amongst traffic.
So if you're still checking these comments, may I ask this: Are you saying that there is something different about a roller's controls that means that '...they can be more manageable...for single manning...'? And if so, what is it?
[I was an engineer and have been associated with steam engines all my life and understand their controls, so you can be as technical as you like, if you need to be.]
Thanks.
Thank you.
You are right that the basic operation of each is pretty much the same.
It is possible to single man a large engine (which I have done) but the main difference is the size. I have a large Fowler Road Locomotive and it has a far more limited view of the road compared to the roller. Due to the large boiler, block and motion work it is necessary to lean out and look along each side of the boiler as well as straight forward. When we travel on the road the steersman keeps watch on one side and the driver the other.
With all engines the driver must continuously monitor and control the amount of water in the boiler, the fire and the boiler pressure as well as the speed and direction and all these things change with road gradients. Using the injector is easier on the roller and can be done pretty much with one hand whilst steering. When feeding the fire (on both engines) the driver has to take his concentration off the road so this means stopping if single manning.
Also Rollers and small Tractors can be legally driven by a single person while Traction Engines and Road Locomotives require two operators (UK).
@@J5TPT Thank you very much. Comprehensive, and very good points. [I must be getting old, I should have worked out one or two of them!].
All the best, and many more happy miles!
Excellent video
Fantastic john really nice too see you out having a good run on the engine
Thank you Lloyd. 👍
Great video 👍
What sort of letter font is this that U just used for the title at the beginning?
No idea
No way that’s where we are now
Yes. She’s been down there for about 15yrs I think.
Amazing! What power does she put out mate?
The horsepower isn’t so great but the torque is.
@@J5TPT yes thought so, I've got an Aveling and Porter steam roller that I recently inherited and haven't a clue how to use it!!
How much coal does it burn through for a trip like this? Cheers
Maybe 50kg ish.
@@J5TPT thanks got getting back to me. So not particularly expensive to take out for a day. At shows do you have to run the engine at full pressure or can you run it less to use less coal? Cheers
@@letshaveago6077 because she’s a compound engine she runs a higher blowoff pressure (200psi). She will run from about 100 but she’s far more efficient on coal/water between 150 and 200.
@@J5TPT thanks again for the reply, really interesting to find out abit more in depth about the running of these engines. Do they require continuous work to keep in running order or can you be lucky and have a stint with out? Just out of interest and this is me assuming you've purchased it, what led you to getting a roller over the other style of engines? I also admit to been a nosey bugga! Thank you again for taking the time through to reply so far.
@@letshaveago6077 they always require small bits of maintenance. Large maintenance (boiler work) is extremely expensive. I’ve been involved with steam on and off all my life. Rollers are at the cheaper end but they can also be more manageable too, especially for single manning (one person running) which is not possible with big engines.
Is that your dads old roller ?
No. This is a different one.
Our old roller ‘Cumbria Lady’ is Exeter way.
What sort of Steam Roller is this called?
She is an Aveling & Porter D Type.
@@J5TPT Sounds good
@@J5TPT how long would you say from lighting the fire to a full head of steam?
why isnt your engine on steamscenes?
No idea
y